A long term investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of a Cedartown man on numerous felony charges.

According to the Polk County Drug Task Force, 47-year-old Arthur Lewis Borders of 1076 Potash Road was arrested Wednesday afternoon following the discovery of numerous illegal substances on his property.  According to task force commander and Polk County Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon, an undercover operation led to a search warrant being issued in late February at Border’s home and surrounding property.

“Our agents were doing a reverse drug buy, when the drug agents are selling to the drug dealer,” said Blackmon.  “The alleged drug dealer made the purchase and our guys had all the evidence needed to go to the house and make the arrest.”

In addition to the $33,000 kilo of cocaine that was sold to the suspect, agents seized a pound of methamphetamine, over a pound of cocaine, and half a pound of marijuana during the search.  Agents also found 55 gallons of moonshine whiskey and a clandestine distillery on the property, including the seizure 28 firearms, several motor vehicles, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jack Browning has turned the case over to the U.S. Attorney and Borders will face Federal charges.

“Because the Federal statutes are stiffer, we think its more consistent with the extensiveness of these crimes to just go ahead and turn it over to the U.S. Attorney,” said Task Force spokesman and Cedartown Police Chief Jamie Newsome.  “Chief Deputy Blackmon will be transporting the accused to Federal Court this [Thursday] morning for his first appearance there.”

Borders will face charges on the Federal level consistent with state charges such as trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession and manufacture of distilled spirits, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.  Other Federal charges could be added later by the U.S. Attorney.

Agents with the Polk County Drug Task Force, the Cedartown Police Department K-9 Unit, and West Metro Regional Drug Task Force participated in the investigation.

(WGAA Radio/www.wgaaradio.com)