Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office Bust Multi-State Meth Trafficking Operation
Some 15 pounds of crystal methamphetamine was seized during Operation Unicoi Pipeline
A year-long undercover drug investigation by the Appalachian Drug Enforcement Office slams the door on a criminal organization responsible for trafficking more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine in North Georgia and parts of North Carolina.
According to ARDEO spokesman Mitchell Posey, on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018, multiple law enforcement agencies swarmed on suspected methamphetamine traffickers in North Carolina and Georgia, executing search warrants at locations across both states.
“This investigation revealed Charles Michael Ledford and Bobby Roger Burch, 48 of Conyers Georgia and 47-year old Bobby Roger “Rob” Burch of Hayesville, NC were responsible for the distribution of more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine in North Georgia and Clay County, North Carolina over the past two years,” Posey said.
Last week, authorities found over 3 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a battery of Burch’s truck in Gainesville, Georgia.
Meth found in a battery in Burch’s truck
“Burch had just left Charles Michael Ledford’s residence in Conyers, Georgia and was traveling north to Hayesville, North Carolina, Posey said. “At Ledford’s residence, authorities found another 12 pounds of methamphetamine.”
Authorities also executed a search warrant at the home of Michael Byers’ residence in Young Harris, Georgia and found 1 ounce of methamphetamine.
“North Carolina authorities executed numerous search warrants in Clay County, North Carolina and seized a cache of guns and illegal narcotics from Burch’s residence. Clay County, North Carolina has confirmed many of these guns are stolen,” Posey said.
Posey said during the drug sweep, authorities seized more than 15 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, stolen firearms, and currency derived from methamphetamine distribution.
The street value of the seized illegal narcotics is more than $725,000.00.
Weapons believed stolen were seized by North Carolina authorities
Ledford is being held in the Rockdale County Detention Center. Burch is in the Hall County Detention Center and Byers was taken to the Towns County Detention Center.
Posey said warrants are pending in Clay County, NC for Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances, Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, and Possession of Stolen Firearm.
He said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.