Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested 55 people Wednesday in connection with a major drug trafficking operation based in coastal Georgia. The arrests followed the execution of 56 federal arrest warrants tied to a trafficking network that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, crack cocaine, and marijuana in Glynn County and St. Simons Island.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Atlanta Division led the operation, which involved more than 150 special agents, deputies, and local police officers. Assistance came from FBI field offices in Jacksonville, Dallas, Columbia, and Buffalo, as well as local law enforcement partners, the FBI said in a press release.
“This morning, FBI Atlanta, along with our federal, state and local partners, made a significant effort to crush violent crime here in the Glynn County community,” said Brian Ozden, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Atlanta Division, during a news conference in Glynn County. “Our goal is not just to put people in handcuffs for a few days, but to build cases that dismantle criminal enterprises and keep our communities safe for the long term.”
Of the 56 people named in the federal indictment, 55 were taken into custody during early-morning raids across Georgia and in other jurisdictions. Officials said the final defendant is expected to surrender in the coming days.
Some of the suspects also face firearms charges in addition to drug trafficking counts. Authorities said the investigation revealed that members of the group traveled to major cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and Jacksonville to obtain drugs for distribution in Southeast Georgia. One defendant was allegedly in contact with a supplier in China who shipped multiple kilograms of controlled substances to the area.
Several SWAT teams were deployed to carry out what officials called some of the most dangerous arrests. FBI SWAT teams from Atlanta, Jacksonville, Columbia, and Dallas participated, alongside teams from the Glynn County Police Department and the Brunswick Police Department. Further arrests were made with assistance from FBI offices in Texas, South Carolina, and New York.
Brunswick Police Chief Angela Smith stated that the operation demonstrates to residents that law enforcement is actively addressing crime concerns within the community.
“Citizens have asked, ‘What are we going to do about crime?’” Smith said. “This operation is indicative of the work being done. Residents and visitors deserve to feel safe, and we will continue to dismantle criminal elements in our community.”
Chris Hosey, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, emphasized the significance of inter-agency collaboration in this case.
“This investigation required time, patience, precision and partnership,” Hosey said. “It reflects what happens when agencies work together with one mission: protecting the people of Georgia and upholding public safety.”
The FBI said the one remaining suspect is still at large but is expected to turn herself in to authorities soon.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted what he described as a record-setting first year at the helm of the bureau during an appearance on Fox News last week, citing major gains in capturing fugitives from the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. Patel appeared on “Hannity” after host Sean Hannity noted that the FBI has apprehended six of its Ten Most Wanted fugitives in just one year.
Hannity contrasted that performance with the previous administration, stating that only four fugitives from the list were captured over a four-year span.
Patel said the difference reflects a fundamental change in how the bureau operates.
“The simple juxtaposition is that there was a weaponized bureau, a politicized bureau to go after political targets including President Trump and myself, versus the bureau of today that goes based on law and facts and works with our prosecutors,” Patel said.