RABUN COUNTY, Ga. — A routine traffic stop led to a major drug bust Friday night after Rabun County deputies reportedly found large quantities of narcotics inside a vehicle traveling north on Georgia Highway 15/US 441.
According to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a Ford Escape on October 10 after observing multiple traffic violations and erratic driving.
“During the stop, deputies detected the odor of marijuana and observed narcotics and paraphernalia in plain view,” said Sheriff Mark Gerrells.
A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up approximately 7 to 8 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, more than an ounce of marijuana, ecstasy tablets, and various drug-related items, according to Gerrells.
The driver, Robert Lawrence Taro Jr. of Atlanta, and the passenger, Annita Joyce Lewis of Franklin, North Carolina, were both arrested and taken to the Rabun County Detention Center.
Taro faces several charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession and use of drug-related objects, driving while license revoked, and failure to maintain lane. Lewis was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession and use of drug-related objects.
Gerrells commended the deputies for their proactive work. “Their attention to detail and commitment to keeping our roads safe continue to make a difference in protecting the citizens of Rabun County,” he said in a press release.
The case remains under investigation.
