GBI ARDEO Operation A Team Nets Four Drug Trafficking Suspects

Several suspects from the Northeast Georgia area are in custody after a lengthy investigation by the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement office.

According to Special Agent in Charge Trent Hillsman, on Thursday, July 21, 2022, several arrests were made during the execution of search warrants and traffic stops across North Georgia related to a three-month investigation known as Operation A Team.

He said the investigation was conducted by the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Major Offender’s Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the ARDEO.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine, LSD, and two firearms.

The primary suspect of the investigation, 21-year old Trevor Wade Southers, of Lula, was arrested on three counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine.

Also arrested was 35-year old Derek Malcolm Daniel, of Dahlonega who was charged with two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine.

27-year old Shelbi Deanna Eanes, of Cornelia was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and Tampering with Evidence, and

39-year old Thomas Christopher Moore, of Lula was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of LSD.

Hillsman said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

For additional information about Appalachian RDEO or to provide tips on criminal activity look for ARDEO@appalachiandtf on twitter or follow on facebook@appalachianrdeo and/or Instagram.