Muscogee County Sheriff's Office Details Success of "Operation Strictly Business"

By Janell Williams

The Muscogee County Sheriff's Office unveiled the results of "Operation Strictly Business," an 11-month gang and drug trafficking investigation, during a press conference Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at its new headquarters, located at 100 10th St., Columbus.

The operation led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs, firearms and other contraband.

Sheriff Greg Countryman announced the joint investigation targeted members of the Bloods and Gangster Disciples gangs, with charges ranging from conspiracy and drug trafficking to possession of firearms by convicted felons.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Unit, along with several federal and local agencies to dismantle gang activity in Muscogee County and surrounding areas.

"We made the promise on this stage that we will continue to bring the fight to the drug dealers and the gang members to dismantle criminal enterprises in Muscogee County," Countryman said. "We all hold true to these four words: 'not on our watch.' "

Officials displayed confiscated drugs and weapons during the press conference, highlighting the scope of the operation.

Items seized included 10 firearms, one Glock switch, two vertical style weapons; a total of 467 pounds of marijuana with an approximate street value of $2.1 million; 7,000 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes with an approximate street value of $60,000; 6.7 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms with an approximate street value of $33,000; 318 oxycodone pills with an approximate street value of $905,040; 2,336 Xanax pills with an approximate street value of $23,560; 220 psychedelic mushroom bars with an approximate street value of $33,000; 31.1 grams of fentanyl with an approximate street value of $3,110; 2,029 THC cartridges with an approximate street value of $80,000; 12.8 grams of THC oil with an approximate street value of $320; and 33.2 grams of cocaine with an approximate street value of $3,220. All approximations of value are according to law enforcement estimates.

"Operation Strictly Business" marked the first collaboration between the Muscogee County Collaborative Intelligence Group and the newly formed GBI Gang Unit. Partner agencies included the FBI, Fort Moore Criminal Investigation Division, and several local sheriff’s offices.

"We want a safer community. We want our citizens to have a better quality of life. We want our kids to be able to go out on the playground without worry," said Countryman, adding that these efforts will continue.

Sheriff Countryman and fellow officers of the law shared their appreciation for the community and expressed their commitment to challenge criminals in the area.

"Don't get too comfortable if you think that you're going to commit a crime in Muscogee County or nearby counties, not on our watch," said officials. "We have the resources. We have the relationships. And, we have the reach. So, there's nothing that you can do that we probably don't already know. It's just a matter of time when we come and knock at your door, and if we don't knock at your door, we're going to kick your door in."

For additional information on the investigation or charges, the public is encouraged to contact the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office.