STAFF REPORT :::
What officials have described as an “open air drug market” has been the focus of an ongoing investigation by the Griffin Police Department Special Investigations and C.A.G.E. units.
A press release issued by the GPD states that Operation Reciprocity concentrated on the area of North 2nd Street and East Central Avenue, particularly the 500 block of East Central, which is referred to as “The Alley.”
“The area of North 2nd Street and East Central Avenue has been an open-air drug market for some time now, with the largest amount of drug sales being that of crack cocaine,” the press release stated. “The Griffin Police Department have (sic) received numerous drug complaints about this area from local residents and property owners related to the constant drug dealing in the area.”
According to the GPD, numerous drug transactions were observed during Operation Reciprocity, and numerous arrests were made, primarily involving, but not limited to, crack cocaine.
Among those arrested were:
Dontrell Mangham, age 26, who faces charges of sale of crack cocaine, possession of crack cocaine and participation in criminal street gang activity.
Randall Hunt, age 22, who faces charges of sale of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and participation in criminal street gang activity.
Kelsey Walker, age 48, who faces charges of sale of crack cocaine and possession of cocaine.
Zachary Edwards, age 58; Quincy Collier, age 26, Mary Landers, age 59; Curtis Slater, age 51; James Woods, age 66; Earlie Walker, age 66; and Darren Dukes, age 57, each face a charge of possession of crack cocaine.
Vivian Riggins, age 56, faces a charge of possession of a drug related object.
Lonnie Watts, age 33, faces a charge of possession of marijuana.
Jasha Clark, age 17; faces a charge of possession of marijuana and driving while unlicensed.
“Elements of this investigation are still active and ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated as this operation targeted both buyers and sellers of the illicit drugs,” the release stated. “GPD will remain vigilant in our (sic) efforts to eliminate the scourge of drugs in our community in an effort to improve the quality of life of our citizens.”
The release expressed appreciation to citizens who come forward to assist the GPD ‘take their neighborhoods back.”