COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A man named Scott Rice is facing drug and weapons charges after a patrol officer reported finding suspected methamphetamine and multiple firearms inside a vehicle parked near a local hotel, according to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

According to authorities, the incident happened on March 30, 2026, while a Douglas Police Department (DPD) officer was conducting a routine patrol in an area described as having ongoing criminal activity. The officer reported spotting a suspicious vehicle and making contact with the driver, identified as Scott Rice, the vehicle’s only occupant.

The officer said they smelled an alcoholic beverage and saw multiple firearms inside the vehicle. During the encounter, the officer reported finding a substance suspected to be methamphetamine on Rice’s person. Rice was then taken into custody without incident.

Authorities said a subsequent search of the vehicle turned up additional suspected methamphetamine, a glass smoking device commonly associated with narcotics use, open alcoholic containers and multiple firearms.

An agent with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit responded to the scene and took possession of the narcotics and firearms, authorities said. The suspected methamphetamine field-tested positive and was submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.

Rice was transported to the Coffee County Jail, where he was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to authorities. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

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