A traffic stop in Dade County led to a major drug bust Thursday, October 8, resulting in the seizure of more than 15 pounds of illegal drugs and the arrest of one individual.
According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 136 East near the intersection of McKaig Loop.
During the stop, Dade County deputies, working alongside troopers from the Georgia State Patrol’s Interdiction Unit, discovered approximately 13.2 pounds of cocaine and 2.2 pounds of fentanyl concealed behind the vehicle’s dashboard.
Authorities took Martin Antonio Nolasco-Guzman, of El Tumbador, Guatemala, into custody following the discovery.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Nolasco-Guzman faces six counts of trafficking in cocaine, one count of trafficking in fentanyl, a charge of operating a vehicle with a false or secret compartment, and a brake light violation.
Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross praised the work of his deputies and the potential impact of removing the drugs from circulation.
“Our Deputies work day and night answering calls, helping citizens, monitoring traffic, and catching criminals. They do it every single day, and never ask for recognition. It can be dangerous at times, but they are called to do it. There is no telling how many lives were potentially saved by getting this poison off our streets, and out of our communities. Every ounce of illegal drugs that we seize, makes a difference. I am so proud of our guys and girls. We truly have the best deputies on earth!” Cross said.
The seizure represents a significant amount of dangerous narcotics removed from circulation, particularly fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid associated with fatal overdoses.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the combined efforts of Dade County deputies and the Georgia State Patrol’s Interdiction Unit for the discovery.
Authorities have not released additional information about the origin or intended destination of the drugs.
