Drug bust in Gainesville: 3 arrested, $40K in narcotics seized
HALL COUNTY, Ga. - Three suspects remain in the Hall County Jail following a raid at Town Creek Apartment Homes on Washington Street in Gainesville Jan. 14. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU), supported by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, executed a search warrant at the apartment.
What we know:
During the operation, investigators seized a large quantity of illegal drugs. The estimated street value of the drugs is $39,950. Additionally, investigators confiscated cash, a gun and two vehicles.
The suspects were identified as Jytavious Darquale Collins, 35, and Joshua Montavious Collins, 36, both of Gainesville, along with Sheila Dianne Pressley, 33, of Cornelia. All three face multiple felony charges related to drug possession and trafficking. They are being held without bond.
Timeline:
The following is a timeline of what transpired:
September 2024: HCSO began a drug investigation targeting the suspects.
Jan. 24, 2025: SWAT team executed the search warrant at 7:30 a.m., arresting the suspects and seizing drugs, cash, firearms, and vehicles.
By the numbers:
The following is a list of what was seized during the raid, according to the sheriff's office:
Drugs Seized:
76 ounces of cocaine
75 grams of MDMA
22 grams of fentanyl
4 bottles of promethazine codeine
Over 4 pounds of processed marijuana
5 alprazolam tablets
Street Value of Drugs: $39,950
Cash Seized: $857
Firearms: 1 Glock 43
Vehicles Confiscated: 2
What they're saying:
"These suspects had been on our radar for several months, so it was a relief to get them behind bars," said Sheriff Gerald Couch. "Our SIU team members worked diligently to formulate a plan to take these suspects into custody and get these dangerous drugs off the streets. On Tuesday, they executed that plan seamlessly, and I’m proud of their dedication."
Charges Against the Suspects:
The following is a list of the charges the suspects are facing:
Jytavious Darquale Collins (All felony charges):
- Possession of cocaine
- Trafficking cocaine
- Possession of MDMA
- Trafficking MDMA
- Possession of fentanyl
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Possession of a Schedule III drug (promethazine codeine)
- Possession of a Schedule IV drug (alprazolam)
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Joshua Montavious Collins (All felony charges):
- Trafficking MDMA
- Possession of MDMA with intent to distribute
- Trafficking fentanyl
- Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
- Possession of a Schedule III drug (promethazine codeine)
Sheila Dianne Pressley (All felony charges):
- Possession of cocaine
- Trafficking cocaine
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
What's next:
The suspects remain in custody without bond as they await legal proceedings. Further investigations may uncover additional connections or individuals involved in the drug operation.