GBI arrests four Candler County residents after multi-agency drug operation

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – The GBI has arrested and charged four Candler County residents following a joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Metter Police Department and the GBI's Atlanta Gang Task Force.

On August 27, 2024, the following persons were arrested:

• Efram “Todd” Donaldson, 55, of Candler County, GA, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to commit a crime, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
• Justin Eugene Aldrich, 38, of Candler County, GA, charged with trafficking methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit a crime.
• Nakia Quaterrio Donaldson, 34, of Candler County, GA, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to commit a crime, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
• Byron Jamal Brown, 35, of Candler County, GA, charged with trafficking methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit a crime.

They were all taken to the Chandler County Sheriff's Office Jail.

In February 2024, a multi-agency drug investigation began, resulting in two search warrants.

Police executed one warrant for a home in the 600 block of Marcus Street in Metter, Candler County, GA, and the other involved a truck in the 700 block of Kevin Lane in Metter, Candler County, GA.

During the search, police seized three vehicles, three rifles, four handguns, over $30,000, approximately 3 pounds of suspected marijuana and 1 ounce of suspected methamphetamine.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement authorities purchased approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine in undercover purchases.

Multiple GBI task forces, along with the Metter Police Department, Treutlen County Sheriff's Office, Statesboro Police Department, Rincon Police Department and Candler County Sheriff's Office, executed the search warrants and made the arrests.

Multiple agencies conducted this investigation to impact the current street drug trade in Candler County and create a safer place for productive citizens.

The Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office and the Metter Police Department need your help.

Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding drug activity to call SRDEO at (912) 685-5345.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at or by downloading the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.

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