Darrlin Vernard Warner, known as "Juice," has been charged with federal offenses related to drug trafficking and firearms possession. The charges include conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan commented on the case, stating, "Warner was allegedly trafficking a substantial amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, posing an immense threat to the safety of residents of Paulding and Douglas Counties." He added that the efforts of law enforcement at various levels have made a significant impact.
Sean Burke, Acting Special Agent in Charge at FBI Atlanta, emphasized the ongoing issue of dangerous drugs in Georgia: "Fentanyl poisonings and other dangerous drugs are taking a terrible toll on Georgia." He affirmed that disrupting drug manufacturers and distributors is a priority for the FBI.
GBI Director Chris Hosey highlighted the seriousness of the situation: "This indictment highlights the significant threat that fentanyl and methamphetamine pose to our communities." He noted that enough fentanyl was seized to potentially kill 500,000 people.
Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson expressed pride in collaborative law enforcement efforts: "We are proud to stand united with our state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in operations like this." Henson pledged ongoing efforts to keep dangerous substances away from local communities.
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan's information presented in court, Warner allegedly conspired to distribute drugs across Paulding and Douglas Counties during October and November 2024. A search warrant executed on November 13 led to the discovery of approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, $177,000 in cash, and other suspected controlled substances.
Two milligrams of illicit fentanyl can be lethal; thus, the amount recovered could potentially kill up to 500,000 individuals. Warner was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson on January 14 after being indicted by a grand jury on December 10.
The public is reminded that these charges do not imply guilt; it is up to the government to prove Warner's guilt beyond reasonable doubt during trial proceedings.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI - Cartersville Office, GBI - Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, Paulding County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office with support from Paulding County Fire/Rescue and Metro Ambulance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold III and Thomas M. Forsyth III are leading prosecution efforts under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strategic Initiative targeting northwest Georgia's fentanyl crisis.
Information about drug sales or trafficking can be reported anonymously via GBI or DEA channels listed online. The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages awareness about drug dangers through several educational websites available for parents and children alike.
For further inquiries regarding this case contact details for public affairs have been provided by Northern District Georgia's U.S Attorney’s Office along with their official website link.