State and federal agents uncovered a methamphetamine conversion lab in Franklin County this week and recovered nearly $8 million worth of suspected drug products.
Special Agent in Charge Trent Hillsman of the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office said agents from ARDEO and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Clandestine Lab Team on August 24 seized approximately five kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine and roughly 255 gallons of liquid methamphetamine solution.
Hillsman estimated the amount of liquid methamphetamine solution in the lab was likely capable of producing more than 700 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of over $7.8 million.
Dustin Tyler Burgess, 34, of Ellijay, and Uriel C. Mendoza, 30, of Copperhill, Tenn., were arrested and both were charged with trafficking in meth, possession of meth with intent to distribute and manufacturing meth in the presence of children.
Hillsman said ARDEO agents received information about suspicious activity at 2064 New Franklin Church Road in Canon and obtained and executed a search warrant at that location. They discovered the active methamphetamine conversion lab inside one of the buildings on the property.
The structure was a horse stable being used to convert liquid methamphetamine to crystal methamphetamine for distribution, Hillsman said. Due to the size of the lab, agents contacted the DEA Clandestine Lab Team to assist in the collection of evidence and disposal of hazardous materials.
Franklin County Chief Magistrate Cody Grizzle on Friday denied bond for Burgess and Mendoza during first appearance hearings.
Agencies assisting in this investigation included the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Banks County Sheriff's Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol and the DEA Clandestine Lab Team.
