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