Multiple Agencies Involved in Major Drug Bust on Interstate 16

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, a coordinated effort by the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and Laurens County Sheriff’s Office resulted in a major drug bust on Interstate 16. Troopers and deputies stopped a vehicle for multiple traffic infractions, which led to the discovery of a significant amount of methamphetamine.

During the stop, officers developed reasonable suspicion of further criminal activity. A search of the vehicle, conducted with consent, uncovered a large box containing 12-gallon-sized Ziploc bags filled with a crystal-like substance. A roadside test confirmed the substance as methamphetamine, weighing approximately 26 pounds.

The vehicle’s sole occupant, Tiffany Thomas of Vidalia, Georgia, was arrested and taken to the Laurens County Jail. Sheriff Larry Dean praised the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved, noting their success in removing a large quantity of narcotics from the streets and disrupting criminal operations.

This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency cooperation in fighting drug-related crime in the region.