Jones County traffic stop leads to drug, firearm arrest on Highway 49

Deputies say drugs packaged for distribution and two firearms were found inside the vehicle during the stop.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A traffic stop on Highway 49 in Jones County over the weekend led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man on multiple drug and firearm charges.

According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was on patrol on Saturday when he ran the license plate of a red Ford F-150 and learned the vehicle’s registration was suspended. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the driver was identified as Emmanuel Andrade.

Investigators say Andrade told deputies he did not have a valid driver’s license and that there was a firearm inside the vehicle. Deputies removed him from the truck and detained him. Andrade also admitted there was marijuana in the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

A probable cause search led to deputies finding multiple illegal narcotics, including several small bags of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, a bag of fentanyl, MDMA pills and marijuana, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies also located two firearms, one of which had its serial number scratched off, along with drug paraphernalia and a digital scale.

According to the sheriff’s office, the quantity of drugs, how they were packaged, and the presence of a scale indicated the narcotics were intended for distribution.

Andrade was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute and related offenses. Deputies seized the vehicle, firearms, narcotics, currency and other contraband, all of which were taken to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office for processing.