Three Arrested After Athens Drug Investigation Uncovers Machine Guns, Marijuana and Cash

ATHENS, Ga. – Three Athens men were arrested after a joint investigation by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit and the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force led to the seizure of multiple firearms, including machine guns, more than 11 pounds of marijuana and thousands of dollars in cash.

The investigation began on Aug. 5 when members of the ACCPD Gang Unit conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of approximately one-quarter pound of marijuana, a Glock 27 handgun and $968 in U.S. currency.

The driver, 25-year-old Siderious Heard of Athens, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Following the traffic stop, detectives with the ACCPD Gang Unit and the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Sidney Lanier Avenue.

During the search, investigators recovered 14 firearms, including six that had been illegally modified with machine gun conversion devices, approximately 10.5 pounds of marijuana and $4,712 in cash.

Authorities arrested 23-year-old Joshua Campbell and 24-year-old Fredrick Heard, both of Athens.

Both men were charged with trafficking marijuana, multiple counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, multiple counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and multiple counts of possession of a machine gun.

Combined, investigators seized 15 firearms, including six machine guns, more than 11 pounds of marijuana and more than $5,600 in U.S. currency during the traffic stop and subsequent search warrant.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Drug Tip Line at 706-613-3297.