PANAMA CITY BEACH -- A two-month investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office culminated with the seizure of two pounds of ICE methamphetamine and seven handguns and the arrests of four people.
On Thursday, investigators doing surveillance saw a meeting between targets of the investigation in the 8000 block of Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, BCSO said. Investigators saw an exchange of a package between two vehicles, and both vehicles left the area.
One of the vehicles was stopped by officers as it traveled northbound on U.S. 231. A BCSO K9 alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle, and a search discovered a loaded .45-caliber handgun concealed under the seat of a passenger, and a loaded .45-caliber handgun along with marijuana was discovered on another passenger.
Arrested were Richard Brigham, 37, and Antonio Bagley, 27, both from Albany, Ga. They told investigators they were in Panama City Beach to assist in the opening of a nightclub for Spring Break.
The other vehicle observed by investigators also was stopped, and the driver, Kenny Thornton, 34, was arrested on a traffic violation. A passenger in the vehicle, Elizabeth Fulton, was allowed to leave the traffic stop. The vehicle was impounded, and a search warrant led to the seizure of a handgun from a purse.
On Friday, investigators arrested Fulton, 26, of Panama City on a warrant for felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon. A search of the vehicle discovered about two pounds of ICE methamphetamine, two currency counting devices, scales and four firearms.