GAINESVILLE — Hall County narcotics investigators, working with federal agents, seized more than 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine last week after uncovering a trafficking operation using a refrigerated truck loaded with blackberries, authorities said.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, aided by the FBI, located the truck just before 3 a.m. on Nov. 21 outside a business in the 1400 block of McEver Road. Investigators were acting on information gathered during an ongoing investigation that began earlier this fall.

A Hall County K-9 alerted on the vehicle, and deputies obtained a search warrant. Inside the refrigerated box truck, agents found 300 kilos — roughly 661 pounds — of methamphetamine concealed within the berry shipment. The drugs have an estimated street value of $22.5 million.

Investigators believe the meth originated in Mexico and was transported to metro Atlanta for distribution across North Georgia.

The driver, who was not at the scene when the seizure occurred, was arrested later that day at his home off Browns Bridge Road. Deputies identified him as Gerardo Solorio-Alvarado, 44, a Mexican national living in Gainesville. He is being held without bond on a felony meth trafficking charge.

Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said the size of the seizure underscores the scope of drug trafficking efforts in the region.

“I know it’s disturbing to the public to realize such large amounts of illegal drugs are being trafficked into our community, but I hope citizens take comfort in knowing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office has investigators who are dedicated to curbing drug activity,” Couch said in a statement. He added that he is grateful for continued cooperation with state and federal partners.

The investigation remains active.