Two arrested in Cleveland during drug trafficking investigation

CLEVELAND - Two men have been arrested in Cleveland during the course of a drug trafficking investigation.<br /> <br /> Johnny Russell Patton, 40, and Scotty Lynn Gooch, 37, both of Cleveland, were arrested Friday for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, according to Appalachian Drug Task Force Special Agent in Charge Mitchell Posey.<br /> <br /> "Through investigative leads, we developed Johnny Patton's name as being a major supplier in this area of North Georgia," said Posey. "Those leads continued to blossom into investigative acts which included interviews and search warrants that continued to lead us towards Johnny Patton's place."<br /> <br /> Investigators believe the operation distributed more than 15 pounds of meth in White, Stephens, Habersham and Lumpkin counties over the past six months.<br /> <br /> Posey said through covert and overt operations, the White County Sheriff's Office and North Georgia Regional Drug Enforcement Office was able to get a search warrant for Patton's residence at 2755 Highway 254 in Cleveland.<br /> <br /> "We found trafficking amounts of crystal methamphetamine, fire arms and marijuana," said Posey.<br /> <br /> The two did not resist arrest, according to Posey. He said more people are likely involved, and more arrests are expected to be made.<br />