ADEL, Ga. (WALB) - Three men were found guilty of federal drug and weapons charges at trial this week after a lengthy investigation revealed their involvement in an Adel-based drug trafficking organization, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

The three men are Calvin James Smith, Jr.; Eddie Lee Hardley, and Yardley Payne.

According to a press release, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating the operation in Adel in December of 2020. After their investigation revealed the leader to be Calvin James Smith, Sr., Smith, Jr.’s father, authorities arrested Smith, Sr. and looked to Smith, Jr.

It was then found that Smith, Jr., Hardley and Payne worked together to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana as part of the organization.

Officials found that the organization utilized 13 locations, in which they seized over five kilograms of methamphetamine, over 10 pounds of marijuana, several hundred grams of cocaine and 15 firearms in total.

This week, the men were found guilty of the following charges:

Calvin James Smith, Jr., 36, of Tifton

• One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances
• One count of distribution of methamphetamine
• One count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

Smith, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Eddie Lee Hardley, 36, of Adel

• One count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances

Hardley faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Yardley Payne, 57, of Adel

• One count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• One count of possession of a firearm by a drug user

Payne faces a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable.”

The sentencing date is to be determined by the Court.

This investigation is part of a nationwide initiative called “Operation Take Back America,” according to the United States Attorney’s Office. They said that several agencies worked together on this case. Those agencies are the FBI, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department, the Hahira Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department.

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