Six Arrested in Southeast Georgia Drug Investigation; 28 Guns Seized
METTER, Ga. – Six people have been arrested following a yearlong drug investigation that led authorities to execute eight search warrants across three southeast Georgia counties and seize suspected cocaine, marijuana and 28 firearms, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office began the investigation in September 2025. On Sept. 10, 2026, authorities served search warrants at eight locations in Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties.
During the operation, investigators seized suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana and 28 firearms. The GBI did not disclose the quantities of drugs recovered or provide a breakdown of where the firearms and suspected narcotics were found.
Six people were arrested and booked into the Candler County Jail:
- Collis Brown, 43, of Metter: conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
- Juan Byrd, 46, of Metter: use of a communication facility in commission of a felony, conspiracy to sell cocaine and sale of cocaine.
- Jorge Cruz, 41, of Vidalia: conspiracy to sell cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Kerry Hayes, 45, of Savannah: conspiracy to sell cocaine, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
- Terriano Mincey, 48, of Metter: conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
- Eric Smith, 52, of Metter: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The GBI has not released additional information about the suspected drug trafficking operation, including how investigators say the defendants were connected or how long the alleged activity had been occurring.
The investigation involved the GBI, Metter Police Department, Candler, Toombs and Emanuel county sheriff’s offices, Georgia State Patrol, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and FBI.
The GBI said the investigation remains active. Once completed, the case will be forwarded to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Anyone with information can contact the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 912-685-5345 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
