Dalton Resident Charged With Meth Trafficking

A Dalton man has been arrested and charged for carrying a large amount of drugs through Adairsville.

Ronald Wayne Duke, 46, was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related objects, possession of meth with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule II narcotic, possession of a Schedule IV narcotic with intent to distribute and drugs to be kept in their original containers.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, an Adairsville K-9 police officer spotted a pickup truck on S.R. 140 near Eagle Parkway in which the windows appeared to be tinted darker than what is allowed by law, said interim Police Chief Arnold E. Gillman in a press release. The officer stopped the truck, which was driven by Duke, and confirmed the shade of the tint exceeded what’s allowed.

Gilman said Duke was asked to step out of the truck and was asked by the officer if his vehicle could be searched.

The officer stated that Duke became “very nervous and appeared as though he were about to faint,” Gillman added.

Duke allegedly informed the officer marijuana would be found behind his seat if the officer were to search the vehicle. The officer proceeded with the search and located a red tool bag. Inside the bag were two large bags containing suspected marijuana, about 40 grams of meth and four different types of unidentified prescription pills.

Duke also had $4,980 in cash on him at the time.

Gillman added taking drug dealers off the streets is a top priority for his officers and that he and his officers “will continue to vigorously pursue those dealers until they unwanted in Adairsville.”

Duke was booked into the Bartow County Jail just after 7:30 p.m. where he is currently being held without bond.

(Photo: Ronald Wayne Duke, 46, was booked into the Bartow County Jail just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday where he is currently being held without bond. Credit: Bartow County Sheriff’s Office).