After an extensive 8-month investigation, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Collaborative Intelligence Group, along with multiple law enforcement partners, dismantled a major local drug trafficking organization, resulting in the arrest of alleged ringleader Archie Zanders and nine other suspects.
The operation, which involved the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit, FBI, DEA, GBI, Georgia State Patrol, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, targeted a drug trafficking network responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Muscogee County and surrounding areas.
On Monday, June 9, 2025, nine search warrants were executed across Muscogee County, leading to significant seizures of illegal narcotics, firearms, vehicles, and cash. Among the items seized:
- 108 pounds of marijuana (estimated street value: $481,810)
- 20 pounds of cocaine (estimated street value: $895,300)
- 78 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value: $7,800)
- 158 oxycodone pills (estimated street value: $3,950)
- 117 ecstasy pills (estimated street value: $2,925)
- 11 firearms, including a modified fully automatic Glock 9mm
- 6 vehicles
- $106,409 in cash
The total value of the seized drugs and property is estimated at \$1,391,785.
“We won’t stop until the criminals do,” the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office stated, adding that this investigation represents a major step in their ongoing effort to disrupt organized drug trafficking operations in the area.
The following individuals were arrested and face a wide range of charges:
Archie Zanders
- Trafficking Cocaine, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, and Ecstasy
- Conspiracy to Distribute (2 counts)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Psilocybin, Marijuana, Oxycodone, and Morphine
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Crime
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Christopher Mabry
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Firearm or Knife During Commission of a Crime (3 counts)
- Possession of a Machine Gun
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (3 counts)
- Conspiracy to Distribute
Hakeem Zanders
- Conspiracy to Distribute
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (2 counts)
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Crime
- Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
- Tampering with Evidence
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
Kenisha Miles
- Trafficking Cocaine, Marijuana, and Methamphetamine
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone and Morphine
- Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Felony
- Drugs Not in Original Container
Jama Zanders
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Crime (3 counts)
- Possession of a Machine Gun
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (3 counts)
Edward Watson III
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Crime (3 counts)
- Possession of a Machine Gun
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon (3 counts)
Bobby Nelson
- Conspiracy to Distribute
Earnestine Sumrell
- Trafficking Ecstasy
- Possession of Psilocybin and Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Crime
Henry Royal
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Drug-Related Objects
Samantha Elders
- Excessive Tint
- Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (2 counts)
- Contempt of Court (6 counts)
- Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges and arrests possible.
“The last time we had a press conference, we told you that we were coming for you. Archie Zanders and his drug-trafficking associates just found this out. We know who you are, and we are coming,” the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office said in a strong message to other criminal organizations operating in the region.
