GBI arrests 6, seizes 28 guns after southeast Georgia drug investigation

METTER, Ga. — Six people face felony charges after a yearlong narcotics investigation across southeast Georgia led to multiple arrests and the seizure of dozens of weapons, authorities announced.

Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office took the suspects into custody Sept. 10 after executing eight search warrants across Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties.

During the raids, law enforcement seized 28 firearms alongside suspected cocaine and marijuana.

The investigation, launched in September 2025, involved several local, state and federal agencies, including police and sheriff’s departments from Metter, Candler, Toombs and Emanuel counties, along with the Georgia State Patrol, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Authorities arrested and booked six individuals into the Candler County Jail:

• Collis Brown, 43, of Metter: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
• Juan Byrd, 46, of Metter: Charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
• Jorge Cruz, 41, of Vidalia: Charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal use of a communication facility.
• Kerry Hayes, 45, of Savannah: Charged with conspiracy to sell cocaine, sale of cocaine and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
• Terriano Mincey, 48, of Metter: Charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, sale of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and use of a communication facility in commission of a felony.
• Eric Smith, 52, of Metter: Charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Officials said the investigation remains active and will be turned over to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution once complete.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 912-685-5345. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online, by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.