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Record Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Bust in Augusta

Richmond County deputies uncover a large cache of illegal drugs in a historic bust.

News Summary

Richmond County deputies have made the largest methamphetamine bust in Augusta’s history, seizing over 44 pounds of meth and 5 pounds of fentanyl. This substantial operation, stemming from a six-month investigation, led to the arrest of Jaquez Sturgis for trafficking. The drug seizure underscores the ongoing battle against illegal narcotics and raises alarms over public safety due to the lethal potential of fentanyl. Authorities are calling for community assistance as they target drug trafficking networks amid ongoing violence in the area.

Augusta, Georgia – Richmond County deputies executed the largest methamphetamine bust in the county’s history over the weekend. The operation followed a six-month investigation conducted by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division.

On Sunday, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at three locations in Augusta: the 200 block of East Hale Street, the 100 block of Tybee Court, and the 1300 block of Marks Church Road, at an apartment complex. In total, investigators seized approximately 20,100.08 grams, or about 44 pounds, of methamphetamine.

In addition to meth, authorities confiscated a staggering quantity of 2,345.6 grams (5 pounds) of fentanyl. This amount of fentanyl is significant enough to potentially kill an estimated 1.17 million people, as even a mere 2 milligrams can result in a lethal overdose. The sheer volume of fentanyl seized raises concerns, as its lethality surpasses that of many weapons of mass destruction.

While this fentanyl bust represents a major achievement for local law enforcement, it is important to note that it is not a record for the area. A previous drug bust in October 2023 resulted in the seizure of enough fentanyl to have potentially killed 3.5 million individuals.

Following this operation, Jaquez Sturgis has been arrested and charged with trafficking in both methamphetamine and fentanyl, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses. Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley praised the combined efforts of the Narcotics Division and the Crime Suppression Division for their commitment in tackling drug distribution networks that pose a danger to the community.

As the investigation into the local drug trafficking organization continues, authorities anticipate that more arrests could be forthcoming. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents with any information regarding these incidents to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 706-821-1400, using the RCSO app, or contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously.

This major drug bust highlights the ongoing battle against illegal narcotics in Augusta and underscores the community’s need for vigilance and support in law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related crime.