Crystal methamphetamine found in vehicle compartment

A quick-thinking Fayette County deputy sheriff is being credited for intercepting 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in Tyrone early Wednesday evening.

After noticing an auto tag irregularity, the deputy pulled over a wrecker that was hauling a Buick Rendezvous SUV at the intersection of Ga. Highway 74 and Carriage Oaks just before 6 p.m., said Lt. Jody Thomas of the Fayette County Drug Task Force.

A K9 dog searched the vehicle and signaled that a substance was detected in the vehicle, Thomas said. Because the drugs weren’t found during the initial vehicle search, a DTF agent was summoned who found a hidden compartment in the vehicle containing the contraband, Thomas said.

The street value of the product is estimated to be about $1.5 million based on current drug prices in the area, Thomas said.

Officials are not releasing the name of the person arrested in connection with the incident, but they did confirm that the suspect is not from Fayette County.

“I really want to credit the deputy for being alert,” to spark the traffic stop, Thomas said.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that stimulates the nervous system and is blamed for thousands of hospital visits each year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The drug has a greater chance of causing a heart attack, stroke or other serious medical condition than other drugs because it can be made from lethal ingredients, DHHS officials have said.