FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad (CMANS) announces the arrest of several individuals believed to be part of a drug trafficking operation located in the Woodstock area.
On Friday January 6th, 2012 CMANS Agents were contacted by Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies who had arrested Jimmy Swancey on outstanding burglary warrants. When Swancey was searched it was discovered he had a large amount of methamphetamine concealed on his person.
The CMANS investigation of Swancey led to his place of employment, an unnamed mechanic shop located at 520 Industrial Drive Suite B1 Woodstock, Ga. CMANS Agents executed a search warrant at 520 Industrial Dr. Suite B1 Woodstock, Ga., in the early morning hours of January 7th, 2012. During the search agents located approximately 1 pound 3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and approximately ½ pound of suspected Cocaine.
In addition to Swancey, agents arrested Victor Perez Valle, Jose De Jesus Lopez-Benitez, and Jonathan Scott, in relation to the activities at the mechanic shop.
On Sunday, January 8th, CMANS Agents and agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Regional Drug Enforcement Office executed a search warrant in Cobb County on a motel room that had been identified through the investigation of the people involved in the mechanic shop. In the search of the motel room agents seized over 13 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
On Monday, January 9th, 2012, agents executed a search warrant at Waldon Pond apartments in Woodstock. This search netted methamphetamine, a .45 caliber handgun, and about $33,000 in cash. CMANS and GBI agents arrested Shawna Rogers, Marc Lefevre, and Aaron Boyd.
The total value for the drugs seized over the weekend is about $266,500.
Agents are continuing to follow leads in this investigation. Phil Price, CMANS Commander, said “This is the fourth major drug trafficking organization we have broken in the last year. We do not intend for Cherokee County to become a haven for drug traffickers.”
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad is a joint task force working in Cherokee County to investigate drug related violations. Participating agencies include the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Canton Police Department, the Woodstock Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department, the Ball Ground Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, the Cherokee County School Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia State Patrol. Citizens may call in tips anonymously to (770) 345- 7920, or may speak to an agent by calling (770) 704-2350.
