Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking and Illegal Firearms

News Summary

A 68-year-old man from Ball Ground, Georgia, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his role in methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Michael Ferrell Price pleaded guilty to possessing meth with intent to distribute and owning firearms while being a drug user. Following a significant investigation, authorities uncovered a substantial cache of illegal drugs and firearms in a shed on his mother’s property, raising serious public safety concerns. This case underscores ongoing challenges in combating drug-related crime in communities across the nation.

Ball Ground, Georgia

A 68-year-old man from Ball Ground, Georgia, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his involvement in methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Michael Ferrell Price, also known as “Cheese,” received his sentence on August 21, 2025, which includes an additional four years of supervised release following his prison term.

Price’s legal troubles stem from a guilty plea he entered in May, where he acknowledged possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a drug user. The case against him was spearheaded by the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad after an investigation that initiated in September 2024.

The investigation culminated in a search warrant executed on October 22, 2024, which revealed a series of alarming findings in a shed located behind Price’s 90-year-old mother’s home in eastern Cherokee County. Authorities discovered over three ounces of highly pure crystal methamphetamine along with several gallons of homemade moonshine. In addition, they found dozens of illegal explosive devices and more than 150 firearms.

The firearms inventory included two machine guns, a short-barreled rifle, a privately manufactured firearm without a serial number commonly referred to as a ghost gun, five firearm silencers, and a stolen revolver. Given Price’s history of methamphetamine use, he was prohibited from owning firearms or explosives under federal law.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated that Price posed a significant threat to the surrounding community, highlighting the severity of his offenses. Law enforcement officials underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to dismantle dangerous drug trafficking and firearm operations effectively.

According to Major Walter Jones, Director of Drug Enforcement for the Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, the combination of stockpiling weapons while trafficking drugs represents a clear “recipe for tragedy.” This case not only highlights the dangers associated with drug trafficking but also raises concerns about public safety in communities where such operations exist.

The sentence of 87 months in federal prison reflects the serious nature of Price’s criminal activities. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies played a critical role in bringing Price to justice, aiming to prevent further harm to the community. The findings during the search not only illuminate Price’s illicit activities but also serve as a warning to others involved in similar criminal dealings.

As the opioid crisis continues to affect many parts of the United States, cases like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and related violence. Authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to address such issues, showing a firm commitment to public safety and welfare.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSB TV
• The Georgia Virtue
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• 11 Alive
• Coosa Valley News
• Wikipedia: Methamphetamine
• Google Search: Cherokee County meth trafficking
• Google Scholar: methamphetamine trafficking gun possession
• Encyclopedia Britannica: methamphetamine
• Google News: moonshining crime Georgia