SWAT Raid at Augusta Budgetel Leads to Major Drug Bust and Multiple Arrests

 AUGUSTA, GA — A coordinated law enforcement operation at the Budgetel Inn and Suites, 954 5th Street, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of fentanyl, firearms, and other narcotics. The raid was carried out Wednesday afternoon by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, along with the Narcotics Division and Crime Suppression Team.

Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard confirmed that the operation began around 2:45 p.m. on January 21, 2026, targeting two separate rooms inside the hotel. Investigators credited community tips submitted through the MySheriff App as a key factor in the case, noting that citizen involvement has become increasingly vital in reducing crime across the county.

Authorities reported that several suspects were taken into custody without incident. Among those arrested were James Berrian, wanted on multiple felony warrants including armed robbery and aggravated assault; Maricus Adams, charged with trafficking fentanyl; and Nathan Williams, who faced outstanding warrants in Burke County. Others arrested included Tkeyhia Lowe, Anazario Calhoun, and Braylon Jacobs, each facing a combination of trafficking, possession, theft, and firearm charges.

The search warrants led to the seizure of approximately 103.7 grams of fentanyl, 3.9 grams of crack cocaine, 35 oxycodone pills, miscellaneous narcotics, and two firearms — one of which was confirmed stolen. All evidence was collected and submitted according to departmental policy, and officials say the investigation remains active.

Sheriff Gino Brantley expressed gratitude to community members for their role in helping investigators remove drugs, illegal guns, and repeat offenders from Richmond County. He emphasized that Augusta is no longer a place to hide or commit crimes, praising narcotics investigators for turning citizen tips into solid, court‑ready cases through persistence and detailed work.

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