STATESBORO, Ga. – A Claxton man has been sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a major drug trafficking network. Tony Slater, 52, has been sentenced to twenty years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing cocaine. In addition to his prison term, Slater has been fined $2,500 and must serve three years of supervised release.

According to Jill Steinberg, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Slater was one of more than 30 defendants named in a November 2022 indictment related to Operation Carpet Ride. This operation uncovered a drug trafficking network that spanned several counties in Georgia, as well as other areas, dating as far back as January 2016.

The investigation revealed that the network was responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine, meth, and other drugs from Mexico and the Caribbean for distribution within the local community. Jill Steinberg commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies across a wide geographic area for their coordination in identifying and disrupting this major drug distribution network.

As of now, about half of the defendants involved in Operation Carpet Ride have been sentenced on charges related to the conspiracy. The sentencing of Tony Slater marks a significant step in holding those involved in illegal drug distribution accountable and ensuring the safety of communities in the region.