Two auto mechanics from DeKalb County are facing federal drug trafficking charges after authorities seized approximately 2,500 pounds of methamphetamine from their vehicles. Daniel Santana-Lopez, 39, an illegal alien from Guanajuato, Mexico, was arraigned on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal reentry by a removed alien. Jared Thompson, 41, of Snellville, Georgia, was arraigned earlier on similar charges along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“These defendants, including a twice-deported illegal alien, allegedly tried to conceal a major methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in a local automobile repair shop,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Through a tenacious investigation, our federal and local law enforcement partners rooted out the defendants’ operation in our continued effort to eliminate the scourge of drug dealing from our communities.”
“DEA’s mission remains the same: seize dangerous drugs before they reach our communities and bring to justice those criminals responsible,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and court information: On October 23, 2024, law enforcement stopped Santana-Lopez after he left an auto repair shop where he worked as a mechanic. Officers allegedly found about 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Investigations revealed that Santana-Lopez had been deported twice before and had distributed methamphetamine on several occasions in mid-2024.
Approximately an hour later, law enforcement stopped Thompson leaving the same repair shop where he also worked as a mechanic. Officers allegedly found around 140 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm in his vehicle.
Santana-Lopez and Thompson were indicted by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia on June 11, 2025.
The public is reminded that indictments only contain charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Georgia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Department of Homeland Security Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), with assistance from DeKalb County Police Department and District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr. is prosecuting this case under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
The U.S Attorney's Office encourages parents/children learn about drug dangers via www.justthinktwice.gov
For more information contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404)581-6185; visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga