Following an intensive investigation spearheaded by the GBI, a multi-county effort has resulted in a significant drug bust and the arrest of four individuals with connections to methamphetamine trafficking. According to a press release by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the operation focused on disrupting the flow of drugs along the I-85 corridor stretching into South Carolina. The culprits were caught on January 30, with three of them facing additional immigration-related charges.
Sebastian Ruiz-Miranda, a 58-year-old from Mexico, and Alirio Jesus Zambrano, a 44-year-old from Venezuela, are the primary suspects facing serious allegations which includes Trafficking Methamphetamine and Sale of Methamphetamine. Stephen Hensley, 23, from Maryland, was arrested on separate motor vehicle related offenses, but detained within the same overarching operation. Alexandro Molero, a 38-year-old also from Venezuela, was arrested at Zambrano’s residence in Duluth and has been booked into Gwinnett County Jail along with the others, save for Ruiz-Miranda who was booked into Jackson County Jail.
Initiated by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in December 2024, the investigation honed in on suspicious activity related to methamphetamine trafficking in South Carolina, which eventually led to Ruiz-Miranda and Zambrano's identification as suspects. The arrest and subsequent collaborative work between SLED and GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) allowed law enforcement to seize approximately three kilograms of suspected Methamphetamine, stemming the tide of these dangerous substances into the community.
Multiple agencies banded together in this concerted effort, showcasing the power of partnership when tackling drug trafficking. DEA, Atlanta-Carolinas HIDTA, the Georgia State Patrol, special units from various county sheriff’s offices, and the ARDEO were all part of the extensive network fighting this epidemic. The ARDEO, a multi-agency group that operates across 30 North Georgia counties, also encourages the public to lend their eyes and ears. If anyone has information related to drug activity, they are urged to reach out to GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410 or submit tips anonymously through various means such as calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), or online via the GBI website.
