Fitzgerald Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Marijuana Seizure
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at approximately 10:40 a.m., a Crisp County deputy patrolling the area of 24th Avenue and Joe Wright Drive observed a blue Honda Accord emitting a strong odor of marijuana. The vehicle abruptly pulled over in a marked “No Parking” zone on 13th Street before continuing north.
As the deputy circled back, the vehicle turned onto 15th Street, driving on the wrong side of the road before finally coming to a stop. Upon approaching the driver, identified as Ricky Smith, 20, of Fitzgerald, the deputy detected a strong odor of both burnt and raw marijuana inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a pink plastic bag containing two large bundles of suspected marijuana. In the trunk, deputies located a red and blue backpack filled with more marijuana packaged in sandwich bags, along with a set of digital scales.
Smith was taken into custody and transported to the Crisp County Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony Possession of Marijuana
- Manufacturing, Distributing, Dispensing, or Possessing a Controlled Substance Near a School
- Manufacturing, Distributing, Dispensing, or Possessing a Controlled Substance Near a Park or Housing Project
- Driving on the Wrong Side of an Undivided Street
- Instruction Permit Violation
- Expired or No Driver’s License
- Seat Belt Violation
Authorities noted that a baby bottle, a common container used to dispense liquid drugs, was also found in the vehicle.
