Alexander Arellano, a man once involved in methamphetamine trafficking, will now spend over a decade behind bars for his role in distributing fentanyl and possession of firearms. Last Monday, United States District Judge William M. Ray II handed down a sentence of 13 years and three months in prison to the Atlanta man, a decision sequenced by a guilty plea on charges of conspiracy and possession from an event dating back to May 2024.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia reported that, during a sting operation, DEA agents observed Arellano selling a significant amount of the potent opioid. Following the sale, authorities moved quickly to apprehend him at his residence, where the search unveiled a stash of narcotics and weaponry, specifically "10 kilograms of fentanyl, two loaded firearms, including an AK-47 pistol, and $120,000 in cash" found in Arellano's possession. The gravity of Arellano’s actions was emphasized by Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., who said that "Fentanyl traffickers pose a tremendous threat to public safety especially when they illegally possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes."
At the time of his latest offense, Arellano was under probation following a prior conviction. This fact underscores the recurrent narrative of recidivism plaguing the criminal justice system. The successful outcome of this case, in the eyes of federal law enforcement, signifies a victory against the fentanyl crisis. "The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with fentanyl will be held accountable," Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, Jae W. Chung, stated on the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Cobb County Police Department stands as a testament to the interagency commitment to aggressively pursue those looking to widely distribute dangerous drugs. Assistant United States Attorney Bethany L. Rupert, who prosecuted the case, has not immediately released additional comments regarding the matter.
Arellano's sentencing also includes a supervised release period of four years following his prison term, according to the announcement made by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
