THOMASVILLE — Unknowingly texting with a narcotics agent can be dangerous, particularly if the message offers the sale of a large quantity of an illegal substance.

Somehow, a teenage boy began mistakenly texting a Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agent and set up the purchase of a quarter of a pound of marijuana.

The teen, 16, arrived at the agreed-upon location with a towel wrapped around the alleged drug. It appeared the teen was going to strong-arm the agent and take his money.

“It was going to be a robbery, not a deal,” Keith Newman, narcotics/vice assistant commander, said.

The teen was charged with criminal attempt to distribute marijuana.

In addition to the report about the teen arrest, Newman told the Thomas County-Thomasville Drug Commission Wednesday his agency has opened 730 cases in 2016. 

“And we still have December to go,” Newman added.

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, narcotics/vice opened and closed 57 cases. Persons arrested totaled 49, with charges totaling 68 — 42 felonies, 26 misdemeanors.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820