Federal agents seized over 150 pounds of marijuana, more than a dozen firearms including machine guns, $18,000 in cash, and a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray during a multi-agency drug operation in Effingham County, Georgia that resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old man facing multiple felony charges.

Multi-Agency Operation Targets Guyton Residence

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Drug Suppression Unit executed a search warrant on August 31 at a residence on Del A Rae Circle in Guyton. The operation brought together federal and local law enforcement, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities discovered a substantial cache of weapons during the search, with some firearms modified as machine guns and equipped with suppressors, raising serious federal firearms violations alongside drug trafficking charges.

Mikell Berry, 23, was taken into custody at the scene and now faces charges including trafficking, obstruction, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The combination of drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession carries significant prison time under both state and federal statutes. Deputies confiscated the late-model sports car from the property as part of asset seizure procedures.

Investigation Continues With More Arrests Possible

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation remains active and additional arrests may follow. The presence of multiple federal agencies suggests the operation could be part of a broader investigation into drug distribution networks operating in the region. The combination of trafficking-level marijuana quantities, illegal automatic weapons, substantial cash, and luxury assets typically indicates organized criminal activity rather than personal use. Federal involvement often signals investigators are tracking supply chains or criminal enterprises across state lines.

What This Means

The seizure highlights ongoing coordination between local and federal law enforcement to combat drug trafficking operations in Georgia. The presence of machine guns and suppressors elevates the case beyond simple drug possession, as these weapons require special federal licensing and are heavily restricted under the National Firearms Act. Asset forfeiture laws allow authorities to seize property used in connection with criminal activity, including vehicles and cash. The investigation’s ongoing nature suggests authorities may be pursuing additional suspects or gathering evidence about distribution networks. Berry faces years in federal prison if convicted on all charges, particularly given the firearms enhancements that carry mandatory minimum sentences.