Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Trafficking Arrests in Andrews Area

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On July 8, 2026, an agent with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Andrews area of Cherokee County after observing multiple traffic violations.

K-9 Deputy Blomgren and K-9 Ellie responded to assist with the investigation. K-9 Ellie conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and positively alerted to the odor of narcotics.

Agents, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, units located a magnetic concealment box hidden beneath the hood. Inside the concealed compartment, agents discovered more than 3 ounces of methamphetamine. The driver, Alicia Garrett, and passenger, Constance Richardson, were subsequently arrested.

Agents also seized U.S. currency as part of their investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Alicia Garrett was charged with:

* Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession

* Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation

* Maintaining a Vehicle for Keeping or Selling a Controlled Substance (Felony)

* Failure to Maintain Lane Control

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Constance Richardson was charged with:

* Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession

* Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation

* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Both individuals were transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, where each received a $100,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Chris Wood stated, “Our message is simple: if you’re bringing drugs into Cherokee County, don’t. Our Narcotics Unit is committed to aggressively pursuing those who profit from addiction, and we’ll continue taking methamphetamine off our streets one arrest at a time.”

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.