RINCON, GA (WTOC) -
Twelve people were arrested and a large amount of drugs were seized Thursday night in a drug bust conducted by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office and Rincon Police Dept.
Investigators got a tip that prescription drugs were being sold from a residence on Walnut Way in Rincon, according to David Ehsanipoor with the sheriff's office.
Investigators conducted surveillance on the home and made drug buys over several weeks. They intercepted a large quantity of Roxycodone that was being brought to the home to be sold, according to sheriff's office.
Two suspects were arrested on charges of sale of a controlled substance. Investigators then conducted a reverse-sting operation in Rincon, where several more suspects were arrested on drug charges.
Willie Dempsey, 36, of Meldrim; Robert Hicks III, 26, of Rincon; Chad Crowder, 25, of Midway; Ariel Smith, 21, of Clyo; Madison Early, 20, of Springfield; Jordan Gilpin, 28, of Guyton; Keith Gilbert, 37, of Springfield; Johnny Meredith, 26, of Rincon; Twila Mordaunt-Barrett, 43, of DeLand Fla.; Marlene Porter, 39, of DeLand Fla.; Daniel Dickerson, 42, of DeLand Fla.; and James Brown, 42, of Orange City Fla.; were arrested.
They face several charges including possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of pseudoephedrine and sale of controlled substance, conspiracy to commit a crime.
Three vehicles and an estimated $1,000 in prescription pills were also seized.
More arrests are expected as the drug operation continues.
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Daniel Dickerson (Source: Effingham Co. Sheriff's Office)
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