VALDOSTA, Ga. – A massive victory in the war on drugs was achieved this week as three members of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County were found guilty at trial for federal drug and weapons charges.
Calvin James Smith, Jr., 36, from Tifton, Georgia, was handed a life sentence after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine. Smith’s involvement in the DTO was substantial, leading to his severe punishment.
Eddie Lee Hardley, 36, of Adel, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, also facing a life sentence for his role in the DTO’s operations.
Yardley Payne, 57, from Adel, Georgia, received a maximum of 15 years in prison per count after being convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm by a drug user. His sentence underscores the severity of using firearms in illegal activities.
The trial, which began on Monday, July 14, and concluded on Thursday, July 24, was presided over by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court, with no parole available in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in combating armed drug trafficking organizations. The FBI’s Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown praised the agency’s commitment to fighting DTOs responsible for addiction and community destruction.
The investigation into this DTO began in December 2020 and revealed extensive operations involving methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana distribution. Over five kilograms of pure methamphetamine were seized during the operation. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and violent crime.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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