Discovery and Initial Response
On July 17th, employees at a Guitar Center location on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett County made a startling discovery. Inside a suspicious box, they found thousands of dollars worth of drugs hidden within a guitar amplifier. The quick actions of these employees, who immediately reported the find to law enforcement, have been credited with aiding a significant drug seizure.
Details of the Seized Drugs
Gwinnett County police confirmed that the drugs found were cocaine and methamphetamine. The drugs, concealed within the equipment, were not intended to be delivered to the Guitar Center. This unusual event highlights a larger issue involving the shipment of illegal substances through the mail. Law enforcement officials pointed out that such occurrences are extremely rare at businesses like Guitar Center.
Method of Shipment
The suspicious package, addressed to an out-of-state location but returned to the Guitar Center as the listed return address, was opened by the employees, leading to the discovery. Investigators believe that the drug dealers had used a business logo or return address on the package as a cover. This tactic is not new, and authorities suspect that the individuals responsible for this shipment have used similar methods in the past.
Police and Specialized Unit Involvement
Gwinnett County police, along with a specialized parcel interdiction team, have been actively working to intercept such shipments. The interdiction team, which utilizes trained canines to detect drugs, plays a crucial role in seizing narcotics before they reach their intended destinations. This year alone, the team has seized significant quantities of drugs, including two and a half kilograms of fentanyl found in the mail. Last year, the team intercepted 4,500 pounds of drugs, valued at approximately $70 million, from shipments sent through FedEx and UPS.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
A spokesperson for Guitar Center stated that the company has been fully cooperating with law enforcement since the discovery. Police have confirmed that there is no connection between any employees at the Pleasant Hill Road location and the drugs. The swift actions of the employees in reporting the suspicious package have been praised by law enforcement officials.
Broader Implications
The discovery at Guitar Center underscores a broader issue of drug trafficking through commercial shipping channels. Drug dealers have increasingly resorted to using legitimate business addresses and logos to mask their illegal activities. The involvement of specialized interdiction teams highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat this method of drug distribution.
Conclusion
The incident at Guitar Center serves as a reminder of the ingenuity of drug traffickers and the importance of vigilance among employees in businesses that handle large volumes of mail and packages. The quick thinking and responsible actions of the Guitar Center employees not only prevented a significant quantity of drugs from reaching the streets but also contributed to the broader efforts of law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking operations. As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to the evolving tactics of drug dealers, the cooperation and awareness of businesses and their employees remain crucial in the fight against illegal drug distribution.
