News Summary
Richmond County law enforcement has made important advances in fighting drug trafficking, resulting in the arrests of Tyriquez McFadden and Nichael Lessey. The operation led to the seizure of over 5.5 pounds of fentanyl, alongside heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and firearms. Sheriff Eugene Brantley highlighted the severe risks of fentanyl, implying the seized amount could threaten public safety. McFadden, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, faces multiple charges. The investigation into this drug trafficking organization remains ongoing as authorities strive to combat local drug issues.
Richmond County law enforcement authorities have made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, culminating in the arrests of Tyriquez McFadden and Nichael Lessey, who are linked to the seizure of over 5.5 pounds of fentanyl. The operation, carried out by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, was the result of a year-long investigation that began in August 2024, focusing on a drug trafficking organization believed to be operating in the Augusta-Richmond County area.
On October 24, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at McFadden’s home on the 1700 block of Morgan Street. During this initial search, authorities confiscated an alarming 3.30 pounds of fentanyl, alongside a range of other illicit substances including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and various prescription pills. Additionally, nine firearms and nearly $20,000 in cash were seized. At the time of this search, McFadden was not present, and charges against him were still pending.
After further investigation, authorities returned on September 7, 2025, executing a second search warrant at a residence on Redoubt Circle. This time, McFadden and Lessey attempted to barricade themselves inside but were apprehended by law enforcement. This second search yielded an additional 2.28 pounds of fentanyl, nearly half a pound of cocaine, one firearm, and over $23,000 in cash. The cumulative total of fentanyl seized in both searches exceeds 5.5 pounds, equivalent to more than 2,500 grams, which represents over 1.25 million potentially lethal doses.
McFadden has been charged with multiple offenses, including trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Lessey faces charges for trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine.
Sheriff Eugene Brantley has underscored the extreme dangers posed by fentanyl, noting that just two milligrams can result in a fatal overdose. He further asserted that the quantity of fentanyl confiscated from McFadden and Lessey poses a significant threat to public health and safety, suggesting that it could endanger every resident in Richmond County numerous times over.
This incident does not mark the first entry of 34-year-old McFadden into the criminal justice system. He is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal record, predominantly involving drug-related offenses and firearm violations. In 2009, McFadden received a five-year prison sentence for drug offenses but was paroled after serving just ten months of his sentence. His history includes multiple charges stemming from various arrests, with some serious felony charges having been dropped by prosecutors in the past.
The ongoing investigation into this drug trafficking organization is still active, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to eradicating drug-related crime in the area. The successful execution of the search warrants and the subsequent arrests reflect a determined effort by law enforcement to tackle the drug crisis facing many communities across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Major Drug Trafficking Bust in Augusta Leads to 2 Arrests
- WJBF Video: Major Drug Trafficking Bust in Augusta
- The Augusta Press: Over 5 Pounds of Fentanyl Seized
- WRDW: Augusta Bust Yields Enough Fentanyl to Threaten All Richmond County
- WITN: South Carolina Man Facing Drug Trafficking Charges
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- Google Search: Drug Trafficking Statistics
- Google Scholar: Drug Trafficking Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- Google News: Drug Crimes 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
