AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office arrested 2 people after a year-long drug trafficking investigation.

Beginning in August 2024, Investigators from the RCSO Narcotics Division initiated a drug investigation into a trafficking organization operated by Tyriquez McFadden in the Augusta-Richmond County area.

On October 24, 2024, RCSO Investigators, with support from other divisions, executed a search warrant at McFadden’s residence in the 1700 block of Morgan Street.

Following the search, Investigators seized:

• 1,499.3 grams (3.30 pounds) of Fentanyl
• 68.8 grams (0.15 pounds) of Heroin
• 53.0 grams (0.11 pounds) of Cocaine
• 695.3 grams (1.53 pounds) of Marijuana
• 4 Dextroamphetamine pills
• 48 Alprazolam pills
• 9 firearms
• $19,399.00 in U.S. currency

McFadden was not at the home during that search, charges were pending.

On September 7, 2025, after extensive work, Investigators conducted a second search based on the drug warrant at a home in the 2500 block of Redoubt Circle.

Once inside, investigators found McFadden and Nichael Lessey, who attempted to barricade themselves inside before being arrested.

Inside the residence, Investigators confiscated:

• 1,035 grams (2.28 pounds) of Fentanyl
• 225.9 grams (0.49 pounds) of Cocaine
• 1 firearm
• $23,470.00 in U.S. currency

The following charges were filed against the suspects:

• Tyriquez McFadden: Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Nichael Lessey: Trafficking in Fentanyl and Trafficking in Cocaine.

Richmond County Sheriff, Eugene Brantley, said“Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs in America. Just two milligrams can be fatal. The fentanyl seized in these two investigations alone represents over 1.25 million potentially lethal doses, enough to endanger every man, woman, and child in Richmond County many times over. Let me be clear: if you peddle drugs in Richmond County, we are coming for you. We will also continue to work closely and respectfully with our partners in the judicial system to ensure those who poison our community are removed from our streets and held accountable.”

This case remains under active investigation by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.