Six individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine across the metro-Atlanta area. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. emphasized the serious public safety risks posed by these activities, stating, "These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk." He affirmed that his office would continue to work with law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, highlighted the danger posed by such activities: "These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine." Chung confirmed the DEA's commitment to pursuing those contributing to the drug crisis.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, noted Homeland Security's role in dismantling transnational drug trafficking operations: "The defendants in this case were responsible for introducing massive quantities of deadly narcotics into the metro-Atlanta area."
The investigation began in 2022 when federal agents discovered a drug trafficking organization distributing drugs sourced from Mexico throughout metro-Atlanta. The drugs included methamphetamine arriving as liquid from Mexico before being converted into crystal form.
Key arrests during the investigation included Erik Rosales-Lopez, detained in December 2022 at a location used for processing liquid methamphetamine mixed with paint. In April 2023, Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza were arrested following a traffic stop that revealed approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Further investigation led to Alex Chamorro-Valencia's arrest in June 2023 after authorities found nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine in his vehicle and additional supplies at a related residence. Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was also arrested at this location.
The sentences handed down include:
- Juventino Rodriguez: Sentenced to 54 months followed by four years supervised release.
- Brayan Garcia-Picasso: Sentenced to twelve-and-a-half years followed by four years supervised release.
- Bryan Pacheco-Carranza: Sentenced to six years followed by three years supervised release.
- Alex Chamorro-Valencia: Sentenced to eight years followed by four years supervised release.
- Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez: Sentenced to eight years followed by four years supervised release.
- Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez: Sentenced to seven years followed by three years supervised release.
This operation was investigated by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, supported by local law enforcement bodies such as Clayton County Police Department and Georgia State Patrol among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli prosecuted this case under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation focused on eliminating major criminal syndicates operating within Atlanta and Northern Georgia regions.
For more information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.