Thirty-eight individuals involved in a prison-based drug ring have been sentenced for distributing large amounts of narcotics throughout metro-Atlanta. The ring used contraband cell phones to facilitate the trafficking of heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. They also engaged in money laundering activities, sending profits back to Mexico.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia, those convicted received various sentences, with Juan Ramirez and Jesus Sanchez-Morales each sentenced to 27 years in prison. The investigation was a joint effort involving federal, state, and local agencies. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., said, "Our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to leverage all resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute entire networks of offenders responsible for distributing deadly drugs into our communities."
The investigation uncovered a scheme where incarcerated individuals used contraband cell phones to coordinate drug deals with outside conspirators. These conspirators managed the storage, packaging, and distribution of drugs. Some members of the group were responsible for laundering drug profits and sending them to Mexico via local money remittance services. The ring also used threats of violence, including a foiled plan to abduct and kill a drug dealer.
As a result of the operation, authorities seized over 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, 25 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, 12,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, heroin, marijuana, and over $450,000 in drug proceeds. Juan Ramirez continued his illegal activities with a contraband phone after his initial incarceration, leading to additional charges.
The Department of Justice described the operation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which uses an intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to dismantle major criminal organizations.
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