Massive Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled in Glynn County
Glynn County, Georgia – A large-scale drug trafficking operation, dubbed 'Operation Powder Island,' has culminated in the arrest of 55 individuals across Georgia and several other states. The arrests, carried out on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, by federal and local law enforcement agencies, targeted a sophisticated network accused of distributing significant quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.
The operation, spearheaded by FBI Atlanta, involved a coordinated effort with over 150 personnel from multiple agencies. These included FBI Jacksonville, the Glynn County Police Department, Brunswick Police, the DEA, the GBI, and the Glynn County Sheriff's Office. Assistance was also provided by FBI offices in Dallas, Columbia, and Buffalo for arrests made in Texas, South Carolina, and New York.
Scope of the Operation and International Connections
The investigation, which began in 2023, uncovered an extensive drug network centered in Glynn County and on St. Simons Island. Suspects allegedly traveled to major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, and Jacksonville to source drugs. Notably, investigators identified at least one individual who communicated with a supplier in China, arranging for multiple kilograms of drugs to be shipped directly to Brunswick.
All arrested individuals face charges related to variations of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, with some also facing firearms charges. Of the 56 people indicted in the case, 55 have been apprehended, and the final indicted person is expected to surrender in the coming days.
Law Enforcement Statements and Community Impact
Officials emphasized the significance of this bust in disrupting a major criminal enterprise. Brian Ozden, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Atlanta Division, stated, 'This morning, FBI Atlanta, along with our federal, state and local partners, made a significant effort to crush violent crime here in the Glynn County community. Our goal is not just to put people in handcuffs for a few days, but to build cases that dismantle criminal enterprises and keep our communities safe for the long term.' The arrests were described by officials as some of the most dangerous, requiring the deployment of multiple SWAT teams.
Residents in Brunswick described waking up to a scene resembling a movie, with loud crashes, smoke, and tactical teams in full gear during the early morning arrests. The successful operation highlights the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and its associated violence, aiming to enhance public safety in coastal Georgia and beyond.
4 Comments
ZmeeLove
Dismantling a large drug operation is a clear win for public safety, however, the mention of international connections shows this problem is far bigger than just Glynn County.
Habibi
Until we address poverty and addiction, these busts are just temporary headlines.
Mariposa
Fifty-five arrests? This won't even dent the actual drug problem. It's a revolving door.
Comandante
It's good to see law enforcement taking action against major trafficking, but the dramatic SWAT scenes make me question if such force is always necessary, especially for non-violent offenses.