Nine people have been arrested in connection with allegations of the distribution of illicit drugs at the Food Mart convenience store located at the intersection of State route 53 and U.S. Hwy 41 in Calhoun, according to the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office.

Wednesday, Oct. 10, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s office temporarily closed the store to conduct several search warrants.

In an operation dubbed “Market Fork,” Deputies seized more than a quarter pound of methamphetamine, a large amount of U.S. currency and three automobiles. Charges of commercial gambling involving cash payoffs in connection with electronic gambling machines, among others.

“The Sheriff’s Office will provide the pertinent information in the form of official reports to the County Board of Commissioners to allow for the disposition of county-issued licenses,” according to a press release from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office.

The nine suspects arrested at the scene and their charges are:

Nadir Haji Hemani, 20, of 203 Poarch Loop, in Calhoun, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy, commercial gambling, possession of methamphetamine, and racketeering.

Jose Vasquez, 26, of 200 E. Line St. Apt. 519, in Calhoun, was charged with sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and racketeering.

Carlos Ramos, 41, of 200 E. Line St. Apt. 114, in Calhoun, was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, conspiracy and racketerring.

Enrique Perez Romero, 42, of 160 Stendal Dr. in Calhoun, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, sale fo methamphetamine, commercial gambling and racketeering.

Sarah McFarley, 24, of 121 Forest Heights in Calhoun, was charged with sale of synthetic marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and racketeering.

Alberto Abraham Holguin Colon, 26, of 114 Lawson Lane in Calhoun, was charged with possession fo methamphetamine and racketeering.

Eric Randall Tucker, 18, of 1288 Riverbend Rd. in Dalton, was charged with possession of synthetic marijuana and racketeering.

Christopher Dwayne Browning, 31, of 348 Forest Heights in Calhoun was charged with sale of methamphetamine and racketeering.

Clifford Shane Bruce, 22, of 330 Forest Heights in Calhoun, was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, conspiracy and racketeering.

The investigation reportedly began in July, 2012 by the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU).

With the exception of suspect, Hemani, also known as Shamir, who identified himself as an Indian national, all defendants remain in the county jail pending bond proceedings.

“My deputies and detectives dedicated a great deal of time and effort into this investigation. I am proud of all of the good police work that went into the case, from the initiation to the arrest,” said Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston.

“I would like to commend all my staff involved in this case, and I would like to especially thank all the good, concerned citizens who called me directly to report suspicious activity at the store in question. Your information was very helpful. This case is another example of our citizens working in concert with the Sheriff’s office to make a better community for all of us.”