Metter, GA (September 22, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged six people following a drug investigation in Metter, Candler County, GA, led by the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office.

 

The following people were arrested:

  • Collis Brown, age 43, of Metter, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of Felony
  • Juan Byrd, age 46, of Metter, GA, charged with Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony, Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine, and Sale of Cocaine
  • Jorge Cruz, age 41, of Vidalia, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine, Illegal Use of a Communication Facility, and Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
  • Kerry Hayes, age 45, of Savannah, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Sell Cocaine, Sale of Cocaine, and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony
  • Terriano Mincey, age 48, of Metter, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Sale of Cocaine, and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony
  • Eric Smith, age 52, of Metter, GA, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

All arrestees were booked into the Candler County Jail on September 10, 2026.

In September 2025, the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office began a drug investigation in southeast Georgia. On September 10, 2026, law enforcement served eight search warrants in Candler, Toombs, and Emanuel Counties, seizing suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana, and 28 firearms during the operation. 
 

The GBI, Metter Police Department, Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia State Patrol, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation participated in this investigation.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 912-685-5345. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Dana Reese

[email protected]
Primary
(478) 414-5997

Related Files

  •  GBI Arrests Six People Following a Drug Investigation in Metter, GA (IMG, 752.85 KB)
    suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana, and 28 firearms during the operation.
  • Drug Investigation in Metter, GA  (IMG, 1.32 MB)
    In September 2025, the GBI Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office began a drug investigation in southeast Georgia. On September 10, 2026, law enforcement served eight search warrants in Candler, Toombs, and Emanuel Counties, seizing suspected cocaine, suspected marijuana, and 28 firearms during the operation.