Friday March 29th, 2024 10:45AM

Banks County sheriff reports largest meth confiscation in county’s history

HOMER — Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed has announced the arrest of two California men on multiple drug trafficking charges related to about $3 million in drugs.

After a month-long investigation, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit arrested Juan Carlos Melchor-Valencia, 20, and Fernando Garcia Mendez, 23, both of Santa Ana, Calif.

The investigation led to the seizure of 52.2 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $2.6 million; 6.9 pounds of cocaine with a street value at $392,000; currency exceeding $22,000; and 10 firearms.

“We are accustomed to large quantities of drugs passing through our jurisdiction by way of the interstate,” Speed said. “However, this is a unique case because the Cartel essentially set up shop in Banks County.”

Speed praised the hard work of deputies by saying, “I am very proud of our deputies’ tenacious and exhausting investigation. Without their thoroughness and attention to detail, these drugs would have already hit the streets of Banks County and North Georgia.”

Valencia is charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.

Mendez is charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of firearm during the commission of a felony, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana, and driving without a valid license.

Investigators contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and a detainer has been placed on Mendez.

Banks County Sheriff's Office requested additional assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program in the ongoing investigation.

Since taking office, Speed has established the Special Operations Unit within the Criminal Investigation Division. The unit consists of Banks County Sheriff’s Office investigators. Certain assigned investigators serve Banks County specifically. There are also deputies detached in the unit who serve not only Banks County but also within DEA-HIDTA and the GBI Appalachian Drug Task Force.

“We participate in both of these task forces because we must do our part in the fight against these dealers killing our communities throughout our nation,” Speed said. “My message to all sheriffs and police chiefs is to not be dissuaded by the naysayers but continue the fight against drugs as it all connects to true local issues.”

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, U.S. News, Local/State News, Georgia News
  • Associated Tags: Methamphetamine, Banks County, Banks County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Carlton Speed, Ice, trafficking, cocaine, DEA
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