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Crime

Massive Drug Trafficking Bust: Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office arrests 10 in multi-agency operation

CNAW Newsroom —
Massive Drug Trafficking Bust: Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office arrests 10 in multi-agency operation
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Key takeaways
  • Eight-month investigation by Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and partners arrested 10 suspects in major drug trafficking operation.
  • Seized 128 pounds of drugs, 11 firearms, 6 vehicles, and $106,409 cash valued at approximately $1.4 million total.

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.

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