A Chattooga County woman was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on Highway 27 near Scott Hill Rd on April 2, 2025. According to a report released this week by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a deputy observed a Nissan passenger car following too closely to a commercial vehicle and failing to maintain its lane. During the traffic stop, the deputy noticed the passenger, identified as 27-year-old Zoe Samara Hayes exhibiting signs of nervousness. Hayes initially refused to provide her date of birth. A subsequent search through Chattooga County E911 revealed Hayes had an active warrant. While detaining Hayes for the warrant, the deputy observed the end of a syringe protruding from Hayes’ jacket pocket. After being read her Miranda Rights, Hayes admitted the syringe contained a liquid substance she identified as methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle, James Cagle, cooperated with the investigation and granted consent for a search of the vehicle, which yielded no further illegal substances. Hayes was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Upon arrival, she informed the deputy that she possessed additional methamphetamine and handed over a bag containing the substance before being booked. Hayes was charged with possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine. Cagle was released at the scene.