A year-long drug trafficking investigation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) led to the arrest of two individuals tied to a large narcotics operation in Augusta, Georgia.
Investigators from the RCSO Narcotics Division began probing the organization run by Tyriquez McFadden in August 2024. On October 24, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at McFadden’s Morgan Street residence, seizing:
1,499.3 grams (3.3 lbs) of fentanyl
68.8 grams (0.15 lbs) of heroin
53 grams (0.11 lbs) of cocaine
695.3 grams (1.53 lbs) of marijuana
4 dextroamphetamine pills
48 alprazolam pills
9 firearms
$19,399 in cash
McFadden was not at the home during this search; charges were pending.
On September 7, 2025, a second search warrant led investigators to a home on Redoubt Circle where they found McFadden and Nichael Lessey. Both attempted to barricade themselves inside before arrest.
At the second location, officers confiscated:
1,035 grams (2.28 lbs) of fentanyl
225.9 grams (0.49 lbs) of cocaine
1 firearm
$23,470 in cash
Charges filed include:
Tyriquez McFadden: Trafficking fentanyl, trafficking cocaine, possession of firearm during a crime, possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Nichael Lessey: Trafficking fentanyl and cocaine
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley emphasized the deadly nature of fentanyl, stating the seized amounts represent over 1.25 million potentially lethal doses—enough to seriously threaten the local population.
Sheriff Brantley vowed ongoing efforts to remove drug traffickers from Richmond County streets and praised cooperation with the judicial system to hold offenders accountable.
The investigation remains active.
