Wednesday, August 6, 2025
CALHOUN, GA – What began as a routine traffic stop turned into a major drug and fugitive apprehension last week, when Gordon County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three individuals on serious felony charges, including meth trafficking and weapons violations.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 29, deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of State Route 53 and Outlet Center Drive. During the stop, deputies identified two passengers as Brandon Lee Blackburn, 27, and his brother, Ryan Michael Blackburn, 33, both of 225 Woodland Drive. Both men were wanted on outstanding felony warrants and were taken into custody without incident.
Upon further inspection, deputies discovered a substantial quantity of methamphetamine inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Mario Santana, 42, of Room 122 at the Rodeway Inn in Calhoun, was also arrested at the scene.
Following Santana’s arrest, investigators conducted a search of his motel room. The search yielded an additional cache of methamphetamine as well as an illegally possessed firearm.
All three suspects are now facing charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, with Santana facing additional charges for firearms violations. They remain in custody at the Gordon County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
Authorities say the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the trafficking of dangerous narcotics in the region and to apprehend fugitives with outstanding warrants.
The investigation remains active, and more charges could be pending.
