Two auto mechanics from DeKalb County have been charged with federal drug trafficking after authorities seized approximately 2,500 pounds of methamphetamine from their vehicles. Daniel Santana-Lopez, a 39-year-old 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, faced similar charges along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated: “These defendants, including a twice-deported illegal alien, allegedly tried to conceal a major methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in a local automobile repair shop.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts to eliminate drug dealing from communities through collaborative law enforcement investigations.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, reiterated the DEA’s mission: “DEA’s mission remains the same: seize dangerous drugs before they reach our communities and bring to justice those criminals responsible.”
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 reportedly found about 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Investigations revealed that Santana-Lopez had been deported twice before and had allegedly distributed methamphetamine multiple times in mid-2024.
An hour later, officers stopped Thompson leaving the same shop and allegedly discovered around 140 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm in his vehicle.
Both men were indicted by a federal grand jury 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.
The 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 and 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.
For more information on drug dangers visit www.justthinktwice.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185.
