ARRESTED
Charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute are:• Kerri D. Nichols, Chatsworth, Ga.• Michael P. Finnegan, Fairmont, Ga.• Lauren N. Williams, Calhoun, Ga.• Iban Gonzalez-Gutierrez, McDonough Ga.• Alejandro Zamora-Gonzalez, Sandy Springs, Ga.• Lucio Contreras, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Six people have been arrested in a multicounty drug bust that authorities said netted more than $200,000 worth of methamphetamine in Whitfield County, Ga.
According to a news release from Sheriff Scott Chitwood, deputies attempted to stop a 2003 GMC Envoy on U.S. Highway 41 on Thursday. The driver, Kerri Nichols, refused to stop and a chase ensued, Chitwood said in the release.
Pursuing officers saw someone in the SUV throwing something from the windows several times before the vehicle was forced to a stop in Gordon County. After the officers picked up the material and determining it was meth, they arrested Nichols and Michael Finnegan. They also seized $11,000 in cash.
Based on this arrest, officers were able to determine that quantities of meth were being distributed in the area from Atlanta, and set up an undercover operation for the next day.
Suspects arrived in Dalton and met with an individual in the parking lot of the Trade Center on Friday to sell a large amount of meth, according to the sheriff's office. Officers moved in while the sale was taking place and arrested four people. One tried to run but was caught. Officers found he was carrying meth and $5,000 cash.
The drug salesmen were carrying the meth in a Frosted Flakes cereal box that had been opened and resealed, then hidden in a sack with other groceries.
Altogether, officers seized about 5 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $218,000. Three vehicles were seized as well.