HIRAM, Ga. – A major drug bust in Paulding County has led to the arrest of 45-year-old John Burch and the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a cache of firearms.
Investigators with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force searched a home in the Lake Swan neighborhood after receiving reports of suspicious activity. Inside, they found bags of meth and fentanyl, along with 14 firearms.
“That fentanyl alone could have killed literally thousands of people,” said Sheriff Ashley Henson, emphasizing the public safety threat the drugs posed.
In addition to removing dangerous narcotics from the community, Henson noted that the confiscated firearms are no longer at risk of being used in criminal activity.
Authorities believe Burch was selling drugs from the residence, which is located on a street where many children live and play. Additional arrests are possible as the investigation continues.
Neighbor Jason Coutu said he wasn’t surprised by the bust but praised local law enforcement for acting quickly. “It’s crazy… but I’m just glad Paulding County is doing a good job and taking care of it,” he said.
Sheriff Henson said his team remains committed to fighting crime and drug distribution in the area. “Whether it’s a gram or pounds, if we get drugs and guns off our streets, we’ve done something good,” he said.
Burch is facing multiple charges. His next court date has not yet been announced.
