THOMASVILLE — A Meigs man is facing a slew of drug and firearm offenses after a number of both were found in his possession during a Wednesday afternoon arrest. 

James Mitchell Layton, 26, was arrested as a result of a month-long investigation, according to Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander.  

“Agents started conducting an investigation because they had gotten information that Layton was in possession of large amounts of narcotics,” Schofill said. 

Surveillance was set up and drug agents were able to conduct controlled purchases during the course of the investigation, Schofill said. 

A search warrant was executed by drug agents, along with Thomas County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigations division, at a Meigs residence at 2504 9 Dime Doctor Rd. A camper was located behind the residence. 

Layton, along with three other adults and a toddler, were present, according to Schofill. 

The suspect, Schofill said, was carrying a pistol and had methamphetamine in his hand. 

“He also had $6,000 cash in his pockets,” the drug squad commander added. 

Agents searched the camper and recovered a number of drugs such as crack cocaine, powder cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, marijuana, and fentanyl patches. 

Also recovered in the camper was a rifle and “all the components for a complete meth lab,” Schofill said. Approximately a dozen hypodermic needles were strewn across the inside of the camper. 

Drug agents also seized the $6,000 and Layton’s vehicle. 

Layton, according to a narcotics agent, is facing numerous charges, including possession charges for the firearms, possession with intent charges for the recovered drugs, possession of drug related objects, and criminal attempt to manufacture methamphetamine.