HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a seven month evaluation, beginning in May of 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.

Towns Sheriff’s Office reached out to District Attorney Jeff Langley and Union County Sheriff Mack Mason, along with Union’s Drug Unit Supervisor Chad Deyton and other drug agents, for initial assistance in casting the operation off to a productive start. The sheriff’s office stated that Deyton, along with the other agents, provided guidance and direction as to how the unit operated, additionally assisting with some of the early investigations.

Sheriff Chris Clinton with District Attorney Jeff Langley

During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation.  A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.    

“Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000.  Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.     

According to Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.

“In combatting the drugs activity in our communities, our job is staying focused on getting the bad guy off the street at the end of the day, and not worrying about who gets the credit. This is what makes for truly successful investigations,” Towns County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Connor said. “The Towns County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere appreciation to all departments and law enforcement agencies that has assisted in ‘Operation Trial Run’ which has made it a success: Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Towns County Commissioner’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Drug Task Force, Hiawassee Police Department, and Clay County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office.”