Adan Macedo-Rios, a 52-year-old Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States, has been convicted of multiple charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, robbery, and illegal firearm possession. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated that Macedo-Rios distributed large quantities of drugs and laundered money through purchasing a horse ranch in Georgia. His plan to rob a rival cocaine supplier was disrupted by law enforcement efforts.
DEA Acting Special Agent Jae W. Chung emphasized the agency's commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations. Paul Brown from the FBI highlighted the agency's dedication to community safety, noting Macedo-Rios' repeated legal violations for personal gain.
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations commended federal, state, and local law enforcement for their role in bringing Macedo-Rios to justice. The investigation revealed that he supplied at least 123 kilograms of cocaine across several states and planned a robbery involving firearms against another supplier.
Macedo-Rios used criminal proceeds to purchase an eight-acre ranch in Loganville, Georgia. He had placed a tracker on a rival's car as part of his robbery plot, which was thwarted by DEA agents intercepting communications about the plan.
Upon arrest at his ranch, authorities found firearms in his possession despite his status as an illegal alien and convicted felon. He appeared before Judge J.P. Boulee on May 28, 2025, pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to drug distribution and robbery.
Macedo-Rios faces significant penalties including a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for drug trafficking and up to life imprisonment with fines reaching $10 million. Sentencing is set for August 26, 2025.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America and involves collaboration between various federal agencies under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at combating major criminal organizations.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.