Two men, Rico Deville Buice and David Estevan Montillo Diaz, are now facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in a significant fentanyl trafficking operation; the arrests followed a raid on a Forest Park residence where authorities netted 21 kilograms of the potent synthetic opioid alongside a pile of cash amounting to more than $380,000, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced recently.
The collaborative enforcement endeavor that resulted in the seizure of the contraband included efforts from the FBI, DEA, and Clayton County Police, showcasing the impact of the interagency Homeland Security Task Force designed to combat transnational criminal organizations, and while the task force's operation has made strides toward making the communities safer the fight against the persistent scourge of drug trafficking continues, according to statements obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
During the November 14 raid, Buice allegedly attempted to escape but was apprehended carrying approximately $4,000 in cash, and inside the raided home, Diaz was found along with the stacks of fentanyl and cash, a Glock 19 pistol, and other items consistent with drug distribution activities, as reported by the Justice Department.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg praised the task force's life-saving impact, declaring, "The collaborative effort of different law enforcement agencies united in the fight to eliminate transnational criminal organizations kept a staggering amount of deadly fentanyl from hitting our streets," and though these efforts have dealt a blow to the operations dealing death in our midst, authorities are prepped to continue their dogged pursuit of these criminals, these actions serve as a stern warning to those who lurk in the shadows fostering illicit trade.
Buice and Diaz who faces serious charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, appeared in federal court to face these charges on November 19, and while these men are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the grave nature of the charges underscores the government's commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable — a commitment further evidenced by the DOJ's Operation Take Back America initiative, according to information released by the U.S. Attorney's office.
The case against Buice and Diaz is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth, III and Calvin A. Leipold, III.
