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Sheriff reports large narcotics seizure in Jesup; one arrest and one suspect at large
Summary
Wayne County law enforcement reported an eight-month investigation that resulted in a search warrant at a Jesup address and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and other items; one person was arrested and one suspect remained at large.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office reported at the June 2 Wayne County Board of Commissioners meeting that a multiagency narcotics investigation led to a search warrant execution at a Jesup address and substantial seizures of controlled substances.
The sheriff’s office said the operation was conducted by the Wayne tactical narcotics team with assistance from the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Jesup Police Department, McIntosh County Sheriff's Office and Bacon County Sheriff's Office. The investigation lasted about eight months.
Law enforcement reported seizing approximately $76,000 in cash and the following controlled substances from 340 Gray Drive in Jesup: roughly 758 grams of fentanyl (the sheriff said the amount equated to about 379,300 lethal doses), about 344 grams of methamphetamine, 72 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of marijuana and 350 grams of promethazine hydrochloride with codeine (a liquid preparation). Officers also seized vehicles and other items, the sheriff said.
Charges announced included trafficking in Schedule II drugs (methamphetamine and cocaine), trafficking in fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of drug-related objects. A white male identified as Travis Hardy was arrested at the scene and charged; the sheriff said one suspect, identified as Irvison Fernandez Perez (who also goes by Joey Perez), a 32-year-old Hispanic male, remained at large.
Why it matters: Local officials said the seizure and arrests followed lengthy investigative work using confidential informants and planning to build a prosecutable case. The sheriff's office said seized money and property will be processed in accordance with asset-forfeiture procedures.
Commissioners and the chair praised the law enforcement work and noted the investigation required coordination and resources. The chair said the sheriff's office had identified a way to conduct the operation without additional county expense after initial discussions about funding, and commended detectives and deputies for the result.
No additional action by the board was documented at the meeting; the sheriff said charges had been filed against the arrested individual and other investigative steps were ongoing.
