Six Sentenced in Atlanta for Distributing Lethal Fentanyl and Meth, Major Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking in the metro-Atlanta area, six individuals have been sentenced for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, substances notorious for their lethal potency. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., stressed the severe public safety risks posed by these substances, vowing continued prosecution of traffickers in coordination with law enforcement partnerships.

"These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk," Moultrie said, emphasizing the resolve of his office in tackling such criminal activities. Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division reiterated these sentiments, pointing out the grave danger these traffickers presented to numerous lives. Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations commended the joint efforts that led to disrupting the perilous supply chain, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The investigation revealed links to a Mexico-based supplier funnelling liquid methamphetamine into the region, which was later converted to crystal meth. During the operation, agents confiscated significant quantities of drugs and dismantled meth labs, one of which was cleverly concealed through mixing liquid meth with paint.

The measures taken against the drug trafficking organization (DTO) followed a series of arrests throughout 2023, leading to the capture of key players like Erik Rosales-Lopez, Brayan Garcia-Picasso, and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza. Among the seized items were gallons of liquid meth and over 100 kilograms of crystal meth. The combined efforts were spearheaded by the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, with support from various local law enforcement agencies.

According to a U.S. Department of Justice press release, the six defendants received sentences ranging from 54 months to 12-and-a-half years in prison, followed by periods of supervised release. The prosecution was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation and represented a collaborative effort encompassing multiple federal, state, and local entities.