Two Toccoa men arrested in Stephens County after traffic stop leads to discovery of drugs

Two Toccoa men were arrested last week for allegedly trafficking illegal drugs.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley says on November 16, a K-9 Unit with his office conducted a traffic stop on a red Ford pickup truck in the area of Big A and Collins roads in Toccoa.

The stop was conducted after the deputy determined the license plate on the vehicle was not registered to the vehicle that it was displayed on.

Shirley says the deputy made contact with the driver, identified as 44-year-old Bradley Ragsdale.

Ragsdale, according to Shirley, appeared to be extremely nervous while interacting with the deputy. This nervous behavior led to the deployment of the K9 that in turn alerted on the vehicle, indicating the presence of narcotics.

Based on the alert, a search of the vehicle was conducted; during which, deputies located approximately 2.1 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, and various pills along with other paraphernalia.

Ragsdale was arrested and charged with two counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession and use of drug related objects, possession of marijuana, felony probation violation, removing or affixing license plate with the intent to conceal, driving without a valid license, failure to maintain insurance, and registration and license requirements.

Ragsdale’s passenger, identified as 59-year-old Chris Swanson, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession and use of drug related objects.

Both Ragsdale and Swanson were transported to the Stephens County Jail where they are currently being held pending a bond hearing.