THOMASVILLE — The record methamphetamine bust in Atlanta this week might have a local connection.

Several Valdosta residents have been charged with meth offenses in Thomas County this week. A Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division official thinks the Valdosta-Thomas County connection might reach to Atlanta.

Narcotics/vice division agents learned Tuesday afternoon a Valdosta man traveling in a light-green Honda Accord would deliver powder cocaine to the Boston area. Agents and Thomas County Sheriff’s Department deputies set up surveillance on U.S. 84 between Boston and Dixie.

A little before 2 p.m., the Honda was stopped. In a small, zippered change purse found on the passenger-side floor, officers discovered four eight-balls of powder cocaine, or half an ounce, and a plastic wrap of methamphetamine.

The driver, Amos Cody Radney, 30, 4233 Coleman Road North, Valdosta, was charged with cocaine possession with intent to distribute and methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute.

The Lowndes County drug unit, when informed about the arrest, went to the apartment shared by Radney and a friend. “They found cocaine and methamphetamine,” said Kevin Lee, narcotics/vice division supervisor. Lowndes lawmen seized $5,010 at the apartment.

Charges against Radney are pending in Lowndes County.

Noting the other arrests of Valdosta residents here this week, along with arrests of Thomas countians, Lee said, “They all deal dope together.”

He said a lot of the methamphetamine being seized here and in neighboring counties came from Atlanta. Lee said he will contact the federal Drug Enforcement Agency in Atlanta and compare phone records to determine if local and area drug suspects were in contact with Atlanta meth dealers.

A record 174 pounds of methamphetamine, with a street value of $16 million, and $1 million in cash were seized in Atlanta.

Meanwhile, bond was denied in Thomasville for Radney, who remains in the Thomas County Jail.

A the time of his arrest, Radney was on probation in Lowndes County on a conviction of selling marijuana.

He also has served a prison term, Lee said.



Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.