Pubdate: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 Source: Macon Telegraph (GA) Copyright: 2006 The Macon Telegraph Publishing Company Contact: http://www.macontelegraph.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/667 Author: Becky Purser Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. SAFETY-BELT VIOLATION LEADS TO DRUG BUST PERRY - A routine traffic stop Saturday along Interstate 75 led to the arrest of nine people on drug charges. A Houston County sheriff's deputy pulled over a vehicle just north of Perry because the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt, asked to search the vehicle and discovered several small bags of cocaine and some marijuana, Houston County Sheriff's Sgt. Wayne Franklin said today. The driver of a second vehicle pulled up to see why his friends had been stopped and deputies asked to search that vehicle in light of drugs found in the other, Franklin said. In all, about $250,000 worth of cocaine in small plastic bags was discovered in both vehicles, along with small amounts of marijuana, said Franklin, a narcotics investigator. While not a big drug bust, Franklin said, "It was a good little pop." The investigator said it was clear from the size of bags and scales seized that the men, all members of the same construction crew, were dealing drugs. All were charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, Franklin said. The men were identified by police as [Names redacted] - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman