Six people were arrested after a yearlong southeast Georgia drug investigation led officers to seize suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana and 28 firearms across three counties.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Sept. 23 that agents served eight search warrants in Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties Sept. 10. Its Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office began the investigation in September 2025.
Collis Brown, 43; Juan Byrd, 46; Terriano Mincey, 48; and Eric Smith, 52, all of Metter, were booked into the Candler County Jail. Authorities arrested Jorge Cruz, 41, of Vidalia, and Kerry Hayes, 45, of Savannah.
The charges vary by defendant and include conspiracy to sell or distribute cocaine, cocaine possession or sale, marijuana possession with intent to distribute, firearm offenses and using a communication facility to commit a felony. Georgia law defines a communication facility broadly to include telephones, mail, computers, radio and other means used to facilitate a felony drug offense.
Brown faces the most charges, including possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during a felony and marijuana possession with intent to distribute. Cruz, Mincey and Smith face charges alleging firearm possession by convicted felons. The GBI did not disclose the quantities of suspected drugs seized or say whether any of the firearms were stolen.
The investigation involved the Metter Police Department; sheriff’s offices in Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties; the Georgia State Patrol; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The GBI said the investigation remains active. Once complete, investigators will submit the case to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the regional drug office at 912-685-5345 or submit an anonymous tip through the GBI. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
