Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

Published 8:15 am Monday, March 10, 2025

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at approximately 10:40 A.M., a deputy on patrol in the area of 24th Avenue and Joe Wright Drive observed a blue Honda Accord emitting a strong odor of marijuana. The vehicle quickly pulled over to the side of the road on 13th Street, in a marked “No Parking” zone. As the deputy circled back to address the vehicle, he noticed it driving north on 13th Street. The deputy then caught up to the vehicle and activated his emergency lights and sirens. The vehicle made a turn onto 15th Street, traveling on the wrong side of the road, before finally coming to a stop.

The deputy approached the driver, Ricky Smith, and detected a strong odor of both burnt and raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a pink plastic bag containing two large bundles of suspected marijuana. Additionally, a check of the trunk uncovered a red and blue backpack filled with more suspected marijuana, packaged in multiple sandwich bags, along with a set of digital scales.

Ricky Smith, a 20-year-old male from Fitzgerald was transported to the Crisp County Detention Center and is charged with:

-Possession of Marijuana (Felony)

-Manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing controlled substances in, on, or near public or private schools.

-Manufacturing, Distributing, Dispensing, or Possessing Controlled Substance, Marijuana, or Counterfeit Substance Near Park or Housing Project

-Driving on Wrong Side of Undivided Street

-Instruction Permits; Temporary License Violation

-Expired or No Drivers License

-Seat Belt Violation

*a baby bottle is a common container used to dispense liquid drugs