THOMASVILLE — A 28-year-old Cairo man — a suspected drug dealer — released from state prison six months ago will be prosecuted in federal court as a result of a Monday Thomasville drug bust, according to authorities.

Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agents were waiting when the suspect, Frederick Dewayne Donald, arrived at a north bypass business with a supply of illegal drugs to sell, said narcotics/vice division commander Louis Schofill.

“Agents were very familiar with (Mr.) Donald, a bigger player in the drug game in Southwest Georgia,” Schofill said. “He’s been a target of our office for a couple of weeks.”

Donald’s customers knew his white Chevrolet pickup was scheduled be parked at the business and would go there to purchase contraband, the commander said. Agents closed in on the suspect as soon as he arrived.

Passengers in the vehicle were Ricky Lavon Wyatt, 23, 202 Third Ave. N.W., and Luz Elena Hernandez, 17, Grady Lodge, both of Cairo. The passengers are charged with marijuana possession and trafficking in methamphetamine.

A search of the pickup produced more than four ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of molly, six ounces of marijuana and about 300 ephedrine pills. Ephedrine is used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

The pills were in a fake SpaghettiOs can.

“He (Donald) also has a loaded .45-caliber pistol in a pocket on the driver’s door,” Schofill said. “He’s definitely an upper-echelon dealer for Southwest Georgia.”

Donald is charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, marijuana possession with intent to distribute, firearm possession during the commission of crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful possession of ephedrine. The ephedrine pills will be tested to determine ephedrine content. Pending test results, a charge of trafficking in ephedrine is possible.

“He was coming into Thomas County to sell drugs to Thomas County residents,” Schofill said. “Agents did a good job, and Thomas County residents are safer with him in jail.”

Donald served a prison term for a marijuana conviction. He was released in October 2016.

The case has been turned over to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency.

“He’s big enough to be charged on the federal level,” Schofill said.