HAHIRA – A man and woman were arrested in Hahira yesterday, according to the Hahira Police Department Corporal Todd Pitchford.

Cheryl Denise Gibbs and Dean Patrick Haney were taken into custody on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 by the Hahira Police Department after what was observed to be a potential drug exchange.

“We were watching an area and saw what looked like a hand-to-hand deal with Gibbs,” Corporal Pitchford told Valdosta Today. “We stopped both vehicles involved and through our investigation were led to a third person.”

The third person was not arrested, as nothing was found.

Gibbs was stopped on North Church Street following the hand-to-hand, around 3:30 p.m. Officer Pitchford’s K9 “Rojo” sniffed out drugs in Gibbs’ vehicle.

“This was solid investigative work,” commented Pitchford. “At 4:30 p.m. we went to Haney’s place of employment on Owens Street and Rojo was alerted once more, which is when we found the crystal and guns.”

One of the firearms was stolen, Pitchford said, adding that Haney had a “bug-out” bag containing ammunition, typical of someone who was a “survivalist.”

Other guns were reportedly found, along with four grams of methamphetamine, and other drug-related objects, including scales.

Haney was charged with possession with intent to distribute, possession of firearm/knife during commission of a crime, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, theft by receiving stolen property and possession of drug related objects.

Gibbs was charged with possession of drug related objects and possession of Schedule 3 drug.

Both were booked into the Lowndes County Jail and are not bailable.

Corporal Pitchford said he expects there could be more arrests.