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.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Record Meth Haul
- Wikipedia: Methamphetamine
- The Augusta Press: Largest Meth Bust
- Google Search: Augusta Georgia drug bust
- WSB TV: Fentanyl and Meth Trafficking
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl Trafficking Georgia
- AJC: Drug Trafficking Networks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
- WRDW: Augusta’s Biggest Fentanyl Bust
- Google News: Drug Bust Augusta Georgia
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.
