Major Fentanyl Bust Nets Millions of Potentially Lethal Doses in Richmond County
RICHMOND COUNTY, GA – A year-long narcotics investigation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the seizure of massive quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and other drugs, along with multiple firearms and tens of thousands in cash. Two men are now facing trafficking charges.
The investigation began in August 2024, targeting a trafficking network allegedly operated by Tyriquez McFadden in the Augusta-Richmond County area.
On October 24, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at McFadden’s residence on the 1700 block of Morgan Street, seizing:
- 1,499.3 grams (3.30 lbs) of fentanyl
- 68.8 grams (0.15 lbs) of heroin
- 53 grams (0.11 lbs) of cocaine
- 695.3 grams (1.53 lbs) of marijuana
- 4 dextroamphetamine pills
- 48 alprazolam pills
- 9 firearms
- $19,399 in U.S. currency
McFadden was not home during that search, but charges were pending.
Nearly a year later, on September 7, 2025, narcotics investigators executed another search warrant at a residence in the 2500 block of Redoubt Circle. Inside, McFadden and Nichael Lessey attempted to barricade themselves before being detained. Officers seized:
- 1,035 grams (2.28 lbs) of fentanyl
- 225.9 grams (0.49 lbs) of cocaine
- 1 firearm
- $23,470 in U.S. currency
Charges filed:
- Tyriquez McFadden: Trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Nichael Lessey: Trafficking in fentanyl and trafficking in cocaine.
Sheriff Eugene Brantley stressed the gravity of the bust, noting:
“Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs in America. Just two milligrams can be fatal. The fentanyl seized in these two investigations alone represents over 1.25 million potentially lethal doses—enough to endanger every man, woman, and child in Richmond County many times over. Let me be clear: if you peddle drugs in Richmond County, we are coming for you.”
The case remains under active investigation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division.
