Clayton News Daily

By Linda Looney-Bond

lbond@news-daily.com

One man faces drug charges after police say they found a half-pound of methamphetamine in a home in Forest Park.

Kevin Troy Patterson, 21, was arrested Tuesday as Clayton County Police SWAT team members searched the home at 4789 Pinedale Drive, according to Police Chief Jeff Turner.

Patterson, who was stopped by police while driving along Ga. Highway 54 in Lake City as SWAT officers searched the home, faces charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and other narcotics possession charges, Turner said.

While searching the residence, police say they located approximately 282 grams of methamphetamine, 190 grams of marijuana and miscellaneous pills, along with surveillance cameras and other electronic equipment, and $911 in cash. The SWAT team also recovered two handguns and one assault rifle, Turner said.

Turner said the methamphetamine found was a potent form known as "ice."

"We're seeing more and more of this," said Turner. "It's more potent than crack cocaine and it's slowly starting to replace crack cocaine."

Turner said the arrest was the result of a months-long investigation.

"The men and women assigned to the narcotics and drug squad are working hard every day at keeping drugs off of our streets and away from our citizens, and they're doing a good job," said Turner.