Toccoa man arrested with 2-1/2 pounds of Methamphetamine after traffic stop

A Toccoa man was found with 2-1/2 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Stephens County.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, on July 11, K-9 Unit Deputy Michael Vice observed a silver Dodge Dart traveling North Bound on Georgia Hwy 17. The deputy recognized the vehicle as one that he had received previous information on from the Criminal Investigations Division regarding illegal drug activity.

After a check of the vehicle license plate through GCIC by 911 dispatch, it indicated that the vehicle did not have valid insurance coverage.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop on Georgia Hwy 17 and Clary Connector.

Once the K-9 Unit approached the vehicle, he immediately noticed the odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as 46-year-old Willie Lee Gibson, gave a false name to the deputy. A further check of the driver revealed he didn’t possess a driver’s license.

The K-9 Deputy was familiar with Gibson from previous encounters.

As a result of the traffic violations, as well as the odor of marijuana, a search of the vehicle was conducted.

During the search, the deputy located approximately 2 and ½ pounds of methamphetamine that was concealed in a McDonald’s bag. The deputy also recovered approximately $6,000 in various small denominations on Gibson’s person.

Gibson was placed under arrest and charged with the traffic violations, as well as trafficking methamphetamine. He was transported to the Stephens County jail where he awaits a bond hearing.