Nearly a dozen people, including two people from metro Atlanta, were arrested on drug charges Wednesday after a multi-agency investigation led authorities to “various types of illicit drugs, U.S. currency and firearms,” according to the GBI.

Joseph E. Long, 43, and Ahbinah E. Smith, 39, both of Riverdale, were among the 11 people taken into custody after the investigation, the GBI said in a statement.

The investigation was opened by the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, but ultimately involved about 100 law enforcement officials from multiple agencies, authorities said.

A myriad of drugs and a large cache of weapons were seized, authorities said. Officials found about 40 ounces of what is believed to be cocaine, 74 ounces of ecstasy, 13.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 21 ounces of Xanax, 3.5 ounces of heroin, 6 pints of codeine and 130 ounces of marijuana. Seven handguns, five rifles, a shotgun and “multiple high capacity magazines and numerous rounds of rifle ammunition” were also seized.

Additionally, authorities found multiple vehicles, including a Dodge 3500 dually truck, a Maserati and a Bentley, according to the GBI.

Long and Smith both remain in the Clayton County Jail. Long faces multiple charges, including criminal use of an altered ID mark, possession of a firearm by felon, trafficking cocaine, possession of a weapon during a crime, and four counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act. Smith is charged with two counts of violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act and one count of ecstasy trafficking.

The other people arrested in connection with the operation were:

  • Deltinaud Toussaint, 44
  • Stacy Tyrone Tobler, 46
  • Andre Jackson, 29
  • Ozell Johnson, 37
  • Alonzo Neal Roberts, 30
  • Laporshia Canty, 44
  • Roderick Johnson, 31
  • Lanard Walla, 29

All are from Vidalia, the GBI said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the GBI anticipates additional arrests. Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the GBI at 912-685-5345.

In other news:

We learned the airline is issuing travel waivers.