SCSO Announces Two Drug Arrests

Two people face charges after a drug investigation leads to a search warrant in Stephens County.

Sheriff Randy Shirley said that his office and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office served a search warrant last Thursday at a residence on Hayes Road that stemmed from a multi-agency investigation.

“For several months now, the drug task force and my drug agent on that task force have been working this case,” said Shirley. “At the same time, U.S. Homeland Security undercover agents were working a large case in the Gwinnett County area, as was the Hall County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad.”

Shirley said authorities found about 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 pound of marijuana, 6 ounces of powder cocaine, and 3 firearms during the search.

He went on to say the street value of the illegal narcotics is about $268,000.

37-year-old Marty Allen Smith of Dooley Drive in Toccoa was arrested on the scene for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Meanwhile, 38-year-old Christel Glenna Ivester, who lives at the Hayes Road residence was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

The sheriff said Ivester is in custody as of Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Smith was transported to the Stephens County Jail.

Shirley said he is pleased to see this major drug operation put to a stop.

“This was a big case and we certainly could not have worked it without the cooperation of the Appalachian Regional Drug task force and their network of intelligence and relations that they have statewide and nationwide,” said Shirley. “It was a cooperative venture.”

The sheriff says his deputies and investigators did a great job on this case.