WALB is working to produce a video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

ECHOLS COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Two people were arrested by the Echols County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) on felony fentanyl trafficking charges after they were stopped for traffic violations.

John Jackson, 25, and Emily Paulk, 18, were arrested on Sullivan Lane near Highway 135 North, ECSO said. When Jackson’s vehicle was stopped, deputies said they noticed the smell of marijuana coming out from inside. Paulk was in the passenger seat, the sheriff’s office said.

This led deputies to search the vehicle. They said they then found one ounce of marijuana and approximately 25 grams of suspected fentanyl pills. The pills field-tested positive, ECSO said.

Both Jackson and Paulk were taken to the Lowndes County Jail. They are charged with the following:

John Jackson:

• Felony Trafficking Fentanyl
• Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
• Misdemeanor Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
• Misdemeanor Failure to Maintain Lane

Emily Paulk:

• Felony Trafficking Fentanyl

ECSO said that this is an active investigation.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.