$2 million in meth seized; suspect arrested

Published 9:32 am Wednesday, August 6, 2025

EATONTON, Ga. — Fifty kilos of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $2 million were recently seized by local and federal authorities in Putnam County.

The ongoing joint investigation between the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Homeland Security Drug Strike Team has resulted in one arrest thus far.

“It’s a lot of meth off the streets of Middle Georgia,” said Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Detective Lt. Harry Luke, who helped in the investigation of the case along with Detective James “JD” Turk.

Agents with the U.S. Homeland Security Agency’s Drug Strike Team intercepted 50 kilos along with additional methamphetamine intended to be shipped to the suspect’s residence.

Luke said a box weighing a little more than 50 pounds containing the illicit drugs was intercepted before it was to be delivered to a residence on the 300 block of Shady Dale Road in Putnam County.

The man arrested was identified as Mario Munoz.

Munoz, who was taken into custody July 30, has been charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act for trafficking in methamphetamine. He was also given a citation for an expired vehicle decal following the traffic stop that led to his arrest.

He is being held without bond in the Putnam County Jail in Eatonton.

Munoz recently appeared before Putnam County Chief Magistrate Dorothy Adams for a first appearance hearing.

Munoz is not a U.S. citizen, but he was legally in the country because he has a green card, Luke said.