GEORGIA — Sixteen people have been arrested following a months-long racketeering investigation targeting a drug trafficking organization operating across multiple North Georgia counties, authorities said.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Silent Hand,” was led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) in coordination with federal and local law enforcement agencies.

According to investigators, the group is accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl and oxycodone across several counties, including Franklin County, Gwinnett County, Habersham County, Hall County, Stephens County and White County.

All 16 suspects have been charged with violating the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Authorities identified those charged as:

• William Doug Allen, 54, of Lula
• Tonya Doster Pitts, 51, of Lula
• Chad O’Neal Davis, 54, of Demorest
• Bart William Starks, 58, of Canon
• Randall Stewart Hill, 57, of Canon
• Leslie Nicole Brown Cedillo, 39, of Cleveland
• Yvonn Parker Brown, 64, of Toccoa
• Amy Michelle Williams, 51, of Toccoa
• Breann Denae Coalley, 54, of Mount Airy
• Haven Douglas Allen, 31, of Alto
• Arthur Lee Poore, 63, of Gainesville
• Rodney Wayne Crump, 59, of Alto
• Kandi Nicole Stewart, 48, of Demorest
• Mona Lisa Summers, 62, of Mount Airy
• Sarita King Davidson, 60, of Cornelia
• Linda Waddell Thompson, 62, of Demorest

Authorities said law enforcement officers executed nine search warrants and 16 arrest warrants across the region on Wednesday, March 4. Investigators allege the organization maintained contacts in metro Atlanta to help supply and distribute illicit narcotics and diverted pharmaceutical opioids.

During the investigation, agents seized approximately 32 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, four pounds of suspected fentanyl, numerous diverted pharmaceutical opioids and multiple firearms, according to officials.

The investigation was supported by the district attorney’s offices in Hall and Habersham counties and involved numerous agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force and sheriff’s offices in Banks, Franklin, Gwinnett, Habersham and Stephens counties, along with the Toccoa Police Department.

All suspects were booked into the Hall or Habersham county jails.

Authorities said the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information about drug activity is encouraged to contact ARDEO at 706-348-7410 or submit an anonymous tip through the GBI tip line.