GEORGIA, (WALB) - An extensive narcotics investigation by the South Central Drug Task Force uncovered that a Georgia Department of Corrections inmate was orchestrating a methamphetamine trafficking operation.

“These cases are not as common as one would think. However, these ‘prison brokers,’ that’s what we call them in our field, they have a lot of friends, a lot of connections through prior work histories on their behalf, so they are still able to make these contacts,” said Hudson Moyle with the South Central Drug Task Force (SCDTF).

The SCDTF used two tactics to bring down the operation. First, they used an inmate ringleader to coordinate a controlled drug deal in the prison. Using information they learned during that deal, they then located a drug mule at Irwinville Country Store, outside Ocilla. They found 33 grams of methamphetamine there.

The drug mule cooperated with law enforcement and explained that the source of these drugs came from a dealer in Tifton, and that the operation in Tifton was being led by a Lee Arrendale State Prison inmate. That prison is located in Northeast Georgia.

The search of Arrendale resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, ecstasy tablets, and a firearm — all linked to the same operation supplying drugs to Irwin County.

Authorities credit the successful bust to strong interagency collaboration between the South Central Drug Task Force, Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), and Tifton Police Department.

In a statement following the incident, the Georgia Department of Corrections emphasized the ongoing battle against inmates using contraband cell phones to coordinate criminal activities:

“The use of contraband cell phones by inmates to carry out crimes is a fight we continue to battle. We appreciate our law enforcement partners at every level in seeing justice served against those who threaten public safety and prison operations. We are proud of our internal agent’s role in closing this case.”

The GDC continues working to prevent these crimes, highlighting tools such as mobile and fixed managed access systems, drone detection technology, K-9 strike teams, and unannounced facility shakedowns. The department also operates a nationally accredited digital forensics lab processing over 1,200 confiscated cell phones and drones monthly.

GDC officials are also pushing for legislation to allow cell phone jamming inside state prisons, citing the ongoing challenge contraband devices pose.

South Central Drug Task Force leader Hudson Moyle acknowledged the ongoing challenge, stating, “We’ll never win the war on drugs, but we sure will make it difficult.”

Due to this being an active investigation, investigators with the Tifton Police Department have declined to speak with WALB. Additionally, officials said the identities of the inmate, dealer, and drug mule will be released at a later date.

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