Colossal $44 Million Meth Bust Made In Metro Atlanta

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — A huge methamphetamine bust -- 933 pounds to be exact -- was made in metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County police said.

SLIDESHOW: Massive Meth Bust In Norcross

Investigators said the confiscated methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $44,641,000, making it one of the largest methamphetamine confiscations in the United States.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Kerry Kavanaugh was there as hazmat crews hauled off several large barrels. At the time, investigators remained tight-lipped about the contents, but a source close to the investigation told Kavanaugh that he believed it was "one of the biggest drug busts" in Gwinnett County in a long time.

The raid happened at a home in the 3300 block of Newbury Road near Beaver Ruin Road in Norcross.

Gwinnett County police and representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration swarmed the house Monday afternoon after obtaining a search warrant, and didn't leave the scene until Tuesday morning. The bust was the result of a tip regarding individuals producing a large amount of methamphetamine, investigators said.

One resident told Kavanaugh that he spoke with investigators and learned there were enough chemicals inside the home "to blow up the entire house." Neighbors said they didn't think anyone lived at the home.

Gwinnett police charged Jose Galvez-Vela, 33, of Weslaco, Texas, with trafficking in methamphetamine. The investigation continues, they said.

WSBTV