ATHENS, Ga. — A massive bust in Athens resulted in the seizure of nearly $1 million in drugs and dozens of weapons.
Authorities said some of the drugs were being sold to University of Georgia students.
Twenty-three agencies and task forces participated in Operation Benchwarmers, the takedown that resulted in the arrests of 16 people.
Authorities said the individuals worked together, selling dangerous drugs like heroin, meth and crack cocaine throughout the area.
“This is the largest-scale and most successful operation of its kind for Athens-Clarke County police,” Chief Cleveland Spruell Sr. said. “And it sends a clear message: Violent offenders will not be tolerated in our communities.”
Handguns, assault rifles and $80,000 in cash were also discovered and seized in the bust.
The following were arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and crack cocaine:
Rickshun Willigham, aka “Teddy,” 32, of Athens
Jaquavious T. Turner, aka “Take One”
Jamian Huff, aka “Dunk,” 34, of Athens
Andrew Bravo Jimenez, aka “Droopy” (at large)
Manuel Gonzalez Romero, of Athens and Mexico
Steven Ricole Scott, aka “Black,” aka “Unc,” 43, of Athens
Antonio M. Mitchell, aka “Tonio,” 30, of Athens
Marques Ward, aka “YG,” 31, of Athens
Ttajia Forney, 19, of Athens
Christopher Sanders, aka “Chris,” 33, of Athens
Bernard Barnett, aka “Nard,” 22, of Athens
Maquila Jones, aka “Qui,” 20, of Athens
Nicholas Jackson, aka “Nick Bean,” 26, of Athens
Terrell Bush, aka “T-Rock,” 45, of Athens
Shaddrick Cox, aka “Shad,” 24, of Athens
Robert Bolton, Jr., aka “Rob,” 31, of Athens
Authorities said they are still looking for one other suspect.
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