Multi-County Drug Investigation Leads to Arrests, Seizure of 103 Grams of Meth and Diazepam in Lumpkin County

On August 20, 2024, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an investigation near the Golden Hills Apartment Complex in Dahlonega, Georgia. As part of the investigation, suspects were identified and located.

A traffic stop was conducted, leading to the arrest of 45-year-old Virginia Patterson of Dahlonega and 60-year-old Philip Cash of Ellijay, Georgia. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement found 80 grams of methamphetamine, 22 diazepam tablets, and $7,480 in cash. Following the traffic stop, an additional 23 grams of methamphetamine was discovered at Virginia Patterson’s residence.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol detoxification, recurrent seizures, severe muscle spasms, and spasticity related to neurological conditions.