Salvatore S. Alawat III, 28, of a Resaca address was arrested by Gordon County Sheriff’s Deputies after an automobile search revealed a large quantity of oxycodone tablets, according to a press release.

On Monday, Jan. 14, deputies with the Community Crime Prevention Unit stopped Alawat in his automobile on I-75 near Resaca, where a vehicle search lead to the discovery of the tablets. Alawat was arrested without incident and charged with possession of schedule II controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute schedule II controlled substances with more arrests and prosecutions expected to follow.

Alawat was reportedly already the subject of a Major Crimes Unit (MCU) investigation for several weeks.

“We realize the increasing popularity of dangerous prescription medication as recreational drugs, especially with some of our younger people,” said Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston. “To combat this serious problem, we will dedicate investigative resources and continue to work in partnership with our colleagues on the state and federal level.”