Stephens County Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to 20 Arrests, Seizure of Drugs and Guns

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — October 2, 2025 – A year-long investigation into a major drug trafficking organization culminated this week in a sweeping operation across Stephens County, resulting in 20 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs and firearms.

The coordinated effort, led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Metro Gang Task Force and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, involved a wide coalition of state, local, and federal agencies. Six search warrants and 20 arrest warrants were executed with the support of the Mountain Judicial Circuit, marking what authorities describe as a significant blow to organized drug activity in northeast Georgia.

At the center of the case is 48-year-old Manathan Colbert of Toccoa, identified by investigators as the leader of the trafficking ring. Colbert faces a long list of charges including multiple counts under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, trafficking cocaine, gang-related charges, and illegal drug sales.

Authorities say Colbert’s network—referred to as the “Colbert DTO”—was responsible for distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and pills throughout Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun counties.

In total, law enforcement reported seizing 29 pounds of marijuana, 5 ounces of cocaine, 6 grams of crack cocaine, 45 boxed pills, 19 oxycodone pills, and 59 firearms during the operation.

Among those arrested were:

• Terrance Rashaud Fortson, 35, Toccoa — charged with multiple counts of RICO, illegal use of communication facilities, and violations of the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act.
• Daniel Amir Glasco, 35, Toccoa — facing similar RICO and gang-related charges.
• Amanda Michelle Murray, 42, Toccoa — charged with RICO violations, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and several counts of illegal communication use.
• Vernard Durham, 56, Toccoa — charged with trafficking cocaine, RICO violations, and illegal communication use.
• Allen Johann Curry, 41, Toccoa — charged with RICO violations, illegal communication use, and trafficking cocaine.
• Nigel Abraham Sillah, 23, and Malik Isaiah Sillah, 24, of Atlanta — both charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

The full list of arrests spans 20 individuals ranging in age from 23 to 60, with charges that include drug trafficking, illegal use of communication facilities, firearms violations, and gang activity.

Stephens County Sheriff’s Office officials said the operation will have lasting effects not only in Stephens County but across several surrounding communities. “This investigation targeted an organization funneling dangerous drugs and firearms into northeast Georgia,” officials said. “These arrests will make our region safer.”

The case remains ongoing, and investigators say additional arrests are likely.

Authorities encourage anyone with information about gang or drug activity to contact the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.