'Operation Byrne Blitz' nets 32 arrests in Union, Towns
By BECKY LANDRESS Sentinel Writer

Items were found in these "hiding places" that look like normal consumer products at first glance.

The Appalachian Drug Task Force working with the Towns County Sheriff's office, Union County Sheriff's office, Department of Natural Resources, Hiawassee City Police, Sentinel Probation, and the Georgia Bureau Of Investigation got up bright and early Wednesday morning and netted 32 individuals on narcotic violations in both Towns and Union Counties.

Numerous search and arrest warrants were served and leads were followed up on in Towns County which resulted in arrests and seizures of numerous drugs within the county.

This was a 24 hour operation, sponsored by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as a statewide operation to apprehend drug offenders. 398 people were arrested state wide. Georgia was one of up to 40 states participating in "Operation Byrne Blitz". The effort was named upon recognition of the federally funded Byrne Justice Assistance Grants in the day to day operations of drug enforcement. Statewide, there were 44 search warrants. Currency totals were almost totaling $1.2 million, 188 pounds of cocaine, 197 grams of crack cocaine, 63.5 pounds of marijuana, 236 grams of methamphetamine, 364 grams of ice methamphetamine, 2.08 grams of heroin, 408 illegal prescription pills and 43 guns were seized.

The early morning operation was to focus attention on drug enforcement efforts and the units that combat this epidemic. The results of items seized in Towns and Union Counties were:
*2.5 lbs. of marijuana
*3 grams of methamphetamine

*3 grams of cocaine
*1/8 gram of heroin
*54 various prescription
and dangerous drugs
*3 live marijuana plants
each approximately 3.5 ft tall
*13 bags of marijuana
seeds
Also seized during the
operation were:
*$4500 cash
*1 residence and seven
acres of land
*5 automobiles
*16 motorcycles
*2 campers
*2 boats

*4 ATV's
*10 weapons

The Towns County Sheriff's Office assisted in one search warrant and two arrests in Union County with the approval of Union County Sheriff, Scott Stevens, who also participated in the operation. The Towns County team consisted of Sheriff Chris Clinton, two agents from the GBI, two agents from the ADTF, Detective Mike Davis, Deputy Brian Wilson and K-9 Rocky, two DNR Rangers, Police Chief Jimmy Wright and Dawn Wright with Sentinel Probation.

The Towns team arrested nine people total for numerous drug offenses ranging from methamphetamine, crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana and more.

Ron Long of Young Harris, Daniel Caruso of Young Harris, Debra Hoffman of Young Harris, Michael Risinger of Young Harris, Melvin Masers of Hiawassee, Shannon Silvey of Hiawassee and Tommy Luke Bright of Hiawassee were those charged. (See charges in arrest report.) Two Union County residents were also arrested and charged with violations.

Sheriff Clinton stated, "I am very pleased with the results of this effort. We worked very hard and were able to get dangerous drugs of the streets. I am very proud of our deputies and the agents and officers involved for the effort put forth during this operation. Those who do not work for me could have called it quits much sooner but everyone worked together for 24 straight hours making this operation a success in Towns County. This is the kind of dedication that will make a difference for our children's future."

The unofficial preliminary results suggest that Towns and Union Counties led the state for the number of drugs seized and arrests and search warrants served during this 24 hour operation.

Appalachian DTF commander Brad Parks said this was truly a team effort by all the agencies involved and this shows how successful law enforcement can be when we all work together. For more information visit the Towns County Sheriff's office website at www.townscountysheriffsoffice. com.