3-state drug operation busted

Region, state and federal authorities seize meth, vehicles and cash after months investigating the meth ring.

A months-long investigation into a three-state drug operation centered in Silver Creek concluded Wednesday, according to Polk County Drug Task Force press release.

According to the release:

A combination of the Polk County Drug Task Force, the Carte rs ville Bar tow County Drug Task Force, the Rome-Floyd Metro Task Force, state and federal authorities, with the help of the district attorney offices in Polk and Floyd counties, ended their investigation Wednesday.

Felix Moreno Guzman, 41, and Edwin Mencho Escobedo, 47, both of 223 Ellis Road, Silver Creek, along with Steven Allen Jones, 59, of 1268 Pleasant Valley Road, Silver Creek, were arrested Wednesday.

They all face charges of possession of methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine; and possession of tools for commission of a crime.

Guzman additionally faces a felony charge of attempt or conspiracy to violate Georgia Controlled Substances Act and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Escobedo is also charged with felony possession of firearm or knife during commission of, or, attempt to commit certain felonies.

“Drug agents seized numerous high-powered rifles and ammunition, approximately one and three-fourths pounds of suspected methamphetamine, five vehicles believed to have been used in the distribution of drugs and approximately $14,000 cash,” the release stated.

Police also have seized three bank accounts and intend to seize the Ellis Road property where the search warrant was conducted Wednesday.

“The investigation that resulted in Wednesday’s search warrant started in Polk County and uncovered a criminal enterprise involving Northwest Georgia, Northeast Alabama, and Southern Tennessee to include the metropolitan Chattanooga area,” the release stated.

Police also seized half a kilogram of cocaine and two and a quarter kilograms of methamphetamine in the course of the investigation.

Escobedo, Guzman and Jones remained in the Floyd County Jail without bond Thursday night.