Coffee County authorities made multiple drug arrests during the last week, one of which yielded the discovery of over three pounds of methamphetamine and the seizure of over eleven pounds of cocaine.
A Coffee County K-9 deputy conducted a traffic stop on March 12 on a vehicle driven by an individual identified as Marisela Nicole Mier. During the roadside investigation, Mier was found to be in possession of a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Subsequent to the vehicle stop, the Coffee County Drug Unit, with assistance from the Douglas Police Department Drug Unit and the South Central Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at Mier’s residence in Coffee County. As a result of the search, authorities located a significant quantity of methamphetamine, along with suspected Oxycodone tablets, and suspected marijuana. The weight of the suspected methamphetamine totaled over three pounds.
Mier has been charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug related objects, and driving while license suspended as a result of these incidents.
The following week subsequent to Mier’s arrest, the Coffee County Drug Unit intercepted and seized a package intended for Mier’s residence that contained a quantity of suspected cocaine with a total weight of over eleven pounds.
Other incidents
Coffee County K-9 deputies initiated a traffic stop on March 8 on a gold Ford truck for a broken taillight in the area of U.S. Hwy 441 S. and Osbon Mills Rd. While speaking with the driver, identified as Richard Bryant James, the deputy observed the individual may had been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Georgia State Patrol was requested to the scene to conduct a field sobriety test.
During the investigation, deputies gained consent for a vehicle search, which yielded the discovery of a quantity of methamphetamine, and the GSP trooper determined James to be driving under the influence of drugs.
James was arrested and transported to the Coffee County Jail. He has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, DUI, taillight requirements, and operating a vehicle with an altered tag.
Also on March 8, detectives with the Coffee County Drug Unit initiated a traffic stop for failure to use a safety restraint device near the intersection of Spring Oak St. and Daisy Ave. in the Oak Park community. The driver, later identified as David Ellerton, fled from detectives in the vehicle before coming to a stop on Red Oak Street. Upon the stop, authorities also identified Matthew Mullins as a passenger.
During the investigation, detectives located a firearm with an altered serial number, along with a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine.
As a result, Ellerton was charged with obstruction of law enforcement and criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark. Mullins has been charged with possession of a drug related object, tampering with evidence, and criminal use of an article with an altered identification mark.
A Coffee County K-9 Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding near the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 32 W. and Hwy. 268 on March 12 with assistance from agents with the South Central Drug Task Force.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Johnathan Ortiz.
Task force agents located a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine near the center console on the vehicle in plain view. An additional plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies, and a glass pipe were also located.
Ortiz was transported to the Coffee County Jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug related objects.