HCSO drug investigation nets $44K worth of meth, two arrests
Investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Special Investigations Unit (SIU), with the assistance of HCSO uniform patrol deputies, arrested two men this week for methamphetamine trafficking and other drug offenses.
The month-long investigation ended Wednesday, June 25, 2025, after HCSO drug agents conducted an undercover methamphetamine buy with the one of the suspects. Following the purchase, drug agents alerted patrol deputies, who made a traffic stop of the suspect vehicle on Atlanta Highway and detained Antonio Gonzales, 38, of Gainesville, and Pedro Leonel Cortez, 41, who has a Gainesville address.
During the course of the traffic stop, agents seized 589 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value $44,175).
Mr. Cortez was charged with the following felony offenses:
- · Sale of methamphetamine (undercover sale)
- · Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
- · Trafficking in methamphetamine
Mr. Cortez, a native of Mexico, also was placed under an immigration detainer.
Mr. Gonzalez was charged with the following felony offenses:
- · Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
- · Trafficking in methamphetamine
In addition, Mr. Gonzalez was charged with probation violation and failing to properly register an address change under his sex offender status.
Both men remain in the Hall County Jail with no bond.