BBQ Stand in Steens Meth Distribution Hub
Packet
On June 6, 2023, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics STING Unit apprehended eight
individuals and seized over $15,000.00 in cash, along with more than 8 pounds of methamphetamine, as
part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that began in late 2021.
The investigation was initiated following reports of suspicious activities occurring at a residence in the
tranquil Steens community. Neighbors alerted authorities about the constant influx of traffic at all hours,
prompting a thorough inquiry. Agents successfully identified Eric Green, a known drug dealer, as a
resident of the targeted location. Throughout the investigation, informants were cultivated, enabling
controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Green. Additionally, co-conspirators and sources of
supply were identified. Eventually, Green relocated his distribution operations nearby, using a BBQ stand
as a front to sell both barbecue and methamphetamine. Subsequently, law enforcement shut down this
operation. Agents invested months into surveillance, conducting numerous interviews with witnesses and
defendants who provided insights into Green’s drug trafficking organization. As a result, the eight
suspects were apprehended, effectively removing a significant drug dealer from the community. Three of
the eight men arrested were from the delta and charged with trafficking. They were seen entering the
location with bags and exiting while patting down their pockets with money, allegedly from the sales.
They were stopped upon leaving the location, and their vehicle was searched due to probable cause
stemming from the smell of marijuana. Additional methamphetamine was discovered along with cash.
Search warrants were executed at Green’s residence, located at 149 Cimmaron Lane, and his BBQ stand
at 5860 Hwy 50 East. The searches yielded approximately 8 pounds of methamphetamine, over
$15,000.00 in cash, one handgun, and five vehicles. Sources close to the Packet stated that this location
was possibly responsible for 75 to 80% of the methamphetamine in Lowndes County.
“Some people still regard this as low-level, non-violent crime. However, it is no secret that drug dealers
are causing harm to our community by selling their toxic substances to our children and loved ones
struggling with severe addictions. This incident occurred within a serene and pleasant neighborhood.
Methamphetamine ravages lives, erodes communities, and fractures families. These drug traffickers are
profiting from the destruction and violence that plague our community. I commend the commendable
efforts of our Lowndes County Narcotics Agents in eliminating these drugs and removing these
traffickers from our streets,” stated Sheriff Eddie Hawkins
