STEPHENS COUNTY, GA – A yearlong investigation into a major drug network in Stephens County concluded this week with 20 arrests and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash, officials said. The operation targeted a multi-county drug trafficking ring allegedly led by Manathan Colbert, 48, of Toccoa.
Alleged Drug Ring Leader Charged
Colbert faces multiple charges including three RICO violations, trafficking cocaine, illegal use of a communication facility, gang-related charges, and several counts of drug sales and distribution. Investigators say his network distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, pills, and marijuana across Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun counties.
During the operation, law enforcement seized:
- 29 pounds of marijuana
- 5 ounces of cocaine
- 6 grams of crack cocaine
- 45 in-box pills and 19 oxycodone pills
- 59 firearms
- Cash
Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Effort
The investigation was a coordinated effort involving:
- GBI Metro Gang Task Force
- GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO)
- FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force
- FBI Safe Streets Task Force
- Stephens County Sheriff’s Office
- Toccoa & Cornelia Police Departments
- Banks and Habersham County Sheriff’s Offices
- Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and Georgia Counterdrug Task Force
The Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office also supported the operation.
Stephens County Sheriff Rusty Fulbright praised the collaboration:
“Tackling gang and drug activity was a priority of mine upon taking office. When Toccoa Police Chief Carlisle assumed office in December 2024, we made a commitment to work together. I’m proud of our deputies, officers, and partner agencies who continue to work hard to curb the flow of drugs in Stephens County.”
Arrested Individuals and Charges
In addition to Colbert, 19 others were arrested and charged with RICO violations, drug trafficking, or related crimes. Some of the notable arrests include:
- Terrance Rashaud Fortson, 35, Toccoa — RICO, illegal use of communication facility, gang charges
- Amanda Michelle Murray, 42, Toccoa — RICO, marijuana distribution, illegal use of communication facility
- Vernard Durham, 56, Toccoa — RICO, trafficking cocaine, illegal use of communication facility
- Malik Isaiah Sillah, 24, Atlanta — possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
The full list of those arrested spans residents of Toccoa, Mount Airy, Demorest, Clarkesville, Eastanollee, Banks County, and Atlanta.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with more arrests expected as officials work to dismantle Colbert’s network completely.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
- GBI Tip Line: 1-800-597-TIPS (8477)
- Online Tip Submission: gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online
- See Something, Send Something Mobile App
- Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division: (706) 886-7048
