VALDOSTA — After an accidental call to 911, the Valdosta Police Department arrested a man whom dispatchers claim was discussing a drug deal on the open phone line.

Colby Barlow is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, according to police reports.

At approximately 11:45 a.m., Feb. 16, the Lowndes County 911 Center received a 911 call from a cellphone, the report states. The emergency dispatchers had an open-line, and no person was directly speaking to the dispatchers, but the dispatchers could still overhear people on the other end of the line speaking.

While listening, the dispatcher heard a voice discussing a possible narcotics transaction.

The dispatcher was able to use the phone’s GPS location to determine the caller was calling from a parking lot in the 2100 block of Bemiss Road, the report states. Patrol officers and narcotics detectives responded to the parking lot where they found the owner of the cellphone.

Detectives spoke with the man about what was heard on the 911 line, according to police reports.

Through the investigation, officers searched the man’s vehicle, the report states. Officers found 2.3 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.

While detaining the man, officers found an additional 4.5 grams of methamphetamine, according to the report. Barlow was arrested and transported to the Lowndes County Jail.

In total, the police found 6.8 grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $680, according to the report.

“Emergency dispatchers are often forgotten about in the world of emergency services; they handle hundreds of 911 calls on a daily basis, give emergency medical instructions to frightened callers and provide emergency responders with a life line,” VPD Lt. Adam Bembry said. “In this case, when trained operators overheard a suspected illegal act, they used their training and experience to direct Valdosta police officers to a subject that was in possession of illegal narcotics and a firearm.”

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.