A traffic stop on Interstate 16 in Laurens County yielded 26 pounds of methamphetamine and landed a Vidalia woman in jail on a variety of traffic and drug-related charges.
A press release from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office called the investigation “an impressive display of teamwork” and stated that troopers with the Georgia State Patrol, GBI agents and deputies with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office joined forces on Saturday, October 19, 2024, to conduct criminal interdiction on Interstate 16. Their efforts paid off when a vehicle was stopped for multiple traffic infractions, leading to the discovery of a significant amount of methamphetamine.
During the investigation, the law enforcement officers built an articulable reasonable suspicion, which led to the discovery of further criminal activity. After obtaining consent, a search of the vehicle revealed a large box containing 12 gallon-sized Ziploc bags filled with a crystal-like substance. The roadside test kit confirmed the presence of methamphetamine.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Tiffany Thomas of Vidalia, was promptly taken into custody and transported to the Laurens County Jail. The approximate weight of the seized methamphetamine was a staggering 26 pounds.
Laurnes County Sheriff Larry Dean expressed his gratitude and commendation for the hard work and collaboration between the deputies of the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, troopers with the Georgia State Patrol and agents with the GBI. Their efforts successfully removed a large quantity of narcotics from the streets and disrupted the operations of dealers and users. This outstanding collaboration between multiple agencies demonstrates the impact of unified law enforcement efforts in combating drug-related crime.
