Government
(Monday, March 1st, 2010) Investigators with the Gwinnett County Police Narcotics unit announced the successful conclusion of an intense and long term narcotics operation.
The investigation began in early December 2009, when members of the Gwinnett County Drug Task Force (GCDTF) received an anonymous tip on a person selling Methamphetamine. During the course of the investigation, leads were developed in identifying two main suspects involved in a major narcotics trafficking operation.
On Friday, February 20th, 2010 search warrants were executed simultaneously at 3356 Saddlegate Drive and 225 Cole Street both located in the Buford area. The operation identified these two locations in where the majority of the narcotics were being stored and distributed. Investigators were successful in locating and seizing a large quantity of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, U.S. currency and weapons. Several specialized units from the department were involved in serving the warrants including, SWAT, Crime Suppression, precinct Community Response Teams and the Highway Interdiction Team. During that time, 8 people were taken into custody without incident. Investigators continued the operation when additional information was obtained that led to the arrest of several other individuals involved in the street level distribution and usage of narcotics. The operation was successful in the apprehension of two major distributors along with identifying and arresting several drug dealers.
In total, 25 people were taken into custody amounting in 58 arrest warrants.
Over the course of the entire investigation, investigators seized:
$45,000 in cash
3 pounds of Methamphetamine valued at $80,000.00 dollars
69 grams of Cocaine valued at $6,900.00 dollars
6 handguns
1 assault rifle
7 vehicles
The main suspects identified in the case are:
Antonio Ruiz Carbaja of 3356 Saddlegate drive, Buford. He has been charged with, 3 felony counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, 1 felony count of Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 felony count of Conspiracy to traffic Cocaine.
Jesus Trinidad Ibarra of 225 Cole Street, Buford. He has been charged with 3 felony counts of Conspiracy to traffic Methamphetamine, 1 felony count of Trafficking Methamphetamine.