Massive drug bust southwest of Atlanta

HOGANSVILLE, Ga. - An expired tag led authorities to a huge drug bust. Hogansville Police found four bales of marijuana weighing around 90 pounds. They also recovered a kilo of cocaine.

Police said they haven’t had a drug bust like this in over two years calling this a huge win. They are crediting an expensive law enforcement tool and also a little bit of luck.

Sgt. Jeff Sheppard said his officers confiscated the drugs Tuesday evening. It was around 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 85 North where police said an officer running a tag reader got a hit on this gray Ford sedan with a suspended tag.

The sergeant said the officers noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from the car. They arrested the driver, 34-year-old Derick Jackson and that’s when police said they found all about $140,000 worth of drugs in the trunk of the car.

Sgt. Sheppard said their tag reader has become an invaluable tool for his department. He said the bust is huge not just his city but for the entire state.

Jackson was charged with felony trafficking marijuana and cocaine.

Hoganville is located about 50 miles southwest of Atlanta along Interstate 75.