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Andrews – A significant narcotics operation has been dismantled following a collaborative effort between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Andrews Police Department.
The operation lead to the recovery of a substantial amount of illegal drugs, firearms and stolen property, according to a release from Andrews police.
In a case that initially centered on the distribution of methamphetamine, narcotics agents with the sheriff’s office discovered a web of criminal activity extending into the heart of Andrews. Their investigation intersected with a breaking-and-entering case on Cheoa Street, handled by Andrews Police Chief Caleb Stiles and Officer Bradley Bowen, which led to the discovery of a drug-for-property exchange network.
James Rogers became the focal point of the investigation after it was revealed that stolen items from the local residence were being traded for drugs at his house. This crucial information resulted in a raid on Rogers’ residence.
During the raid, agents seized 81 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 58 Suboxone strips, 76 Buprenorphine pills and a variety of other unidentified pills. In addition, an alarming array of illegal firearms was discovered, including sawed-off shotguns and guns with obliterated serial numbers.
In a poignant twist, among the recovered items were World War II medals, deeply personal military accolades that belonged to the father of the burglary victim, the release says.
These medals, with immeasurable sentimental value, were traded for narcotics, but have since been restored to their rightful owner following the operation.