Three Arrested After Deputies Seize 185 Pounds of Marijuana at Augusta Airport and Hotel

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. — Three men were arrested Tuesday after investigators seized approximately 185 pounds of marijuana during a drug trafficking investigation tied to commercial airline travel, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said the Narcotics Division worked alongside the Crime Suppression Team and the Richmond County Marshal’s Office during the targeted investigation into what authorities described as a drug trafficking organization operating throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

Investigators developed information indicating the organization was transporting large quantities of marijuana across state lines using commercial airline flights.

During the operation on May 12, 2026, deputies arrested Julian Gutierrez and Rigoberto Santacruz at Augusta Regional Airport after authorities discovered approximately 120 pounds of marijuana concealed inside multiple suitcases.

According to investigators, the packaging and transport method matched intelligence gathered during the investigation into the organization’s operations.

Authorities later executed a narcotics search warrant at the West Bank Inn, where investigators arrested Agustin Castaneda in Room 207.

Deputies said Castaneda was found in possession of an additional 65 pounds of marijuana, also concealed in suitcases.

In total, investigators seized approximately 185 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $230,000.

Gutierrez, Santacruz, and Castaneda were each charged with Trafficking in Marijuana.

Sheriff Eugene Brantley praised the agencies involved in the operation and said the investigation reflects the department’s continued focus on disrupting illegal narcotics trafficking in Richmond County.