COLUMBUS, Ga. — A massive law enforcement operation called Operation Sweet Silence has led to the arrest of 101 people and the seizure of nearly $279.5 million worth of illegal drugs in Columbus, which is about 100 miles south of Atlanta.
The operation, which lasted two years, was aimed at stopping dangerous gangs and drug cartels from running their operations in the area, according to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.
The sheriff's office, working closely with the FBI and DEA, targeted criminal groups involved in large-scale drug operations. Sheriff Countryman said the operation was a major victory in keeping the community safe.
"The bad guys, who had the emboldened audacity to try to take over Muscogee County, and who thought they were above the law and untouchable, are in awe," Sheriff Countryman said. "The criminal enterprises they worked so hard to build have been interrupted and dismantled."
As part of Operation Sweet Silence, authorities seized:
- 496 pounds of methamphetamine worth over $22 million
- 57.2 kilos of cocaine valued at $5.7 million
- 7.1 kilos of fentanyl worth more than $700,000
- 25,094 kilos of marijuana with a street value of $250 million—this includes a large illegal grow operation in California
- 155 firearms used by criminals
Law enforcement also recovered $275,000 in cash, believed to be profits from drug sales.
19 of the 101 individuals were charged federally involving alleged drug trafficking, validated gang members, drug distribution activities with ties to a gang in Columbus, according to a news release.
Sheriff Countryman praised the teamwork with federal law enforcement agencies, saying their joint efforts made the operation a success. He warned that this is just the beginning and more operations will follow to stop criminal activity in the county.
"For those who are breathing a sigh of relief because you were not one of the ones arrested, my message to you this morning is do not get too comfortable," the sheriff said. "Our work is not finished."
This operation is one of the biggest drug busts in the county’s history, and officials are determined to keep the pressure on gangs and drug traffickers.
