METTER, Ga. — A yearlong drug investigation has led to the arrest of multiple people and the seizure of suspected drugs and dozens of guns, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
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The GBI said it began investigating drug activity in September 2025. On Sept. 10, 2026, law enforcement officers executed eight search warrants in Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties as part of the investigation.
During the operation, agents seized suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana and 28 guns.
The following people were arrested and booked into the Candler County Jail on Sept. 10:
- Collis Brown, 43, of Metter, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony;
- Juan Byrd, 46, of Metter, charged with use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony, conspiracy to sell cocaine and sale of cocaine;
- Jorge Cruz, 41, of Vidalia, charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
- Kerry Hayes, 45, of Savannah, charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony;
- Terriano Mincey, 48, of Metter, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in the commission of a felony;
- Eric Smith, 52, of Metter, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the case file will be turned over to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.
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Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 912-685-5345. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
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