Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Darrlin Vernard Warner, also known as "Juice," has been arraigned on federal charges related to drug trafficking and firearms possession. The charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute these drugs, and possession of firearms in furtherance of 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 emphasized the ongoing impact of fentanyl and methamphetamine on communities in northern Georgia.
FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke highlighted the importance of disrupting those responsible for distributing dangerous drugs: "Fentanyl poisonings and other dangerous drugs are taking a terrible toll on Georgia."
GBI Director Chris Hosey underscored the severity of the situation by noting that the seized fentanyl could potentially kill 500,000 people. "This indictment highlights the significant threat that fentanyl and methamphetamine pose to our communities," he said.
Paulding County Sheriff Ashley Henson praised interagency collaboration in tackling drug trafficking: "We are proud to stand united with our state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in operations like this."
The investigation revealed evidence that Warner allegedly conspired to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in Paulding and Douglas Counties during October and November 2024. A search conducted on November 13, 2024, led to the recovery of approximately one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl, about one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, $177,000 in cash, and other suspected controlled substances from Warner's home and vehicle.
Warner was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson on January 14, 2025. The indictment was issued by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2024.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges; Warner is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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 prosecuting this case under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strategic Initiative focused on addressing the fentanyl crisis in northwest Georgia.
Individuals with information about drug sales or trafficking can report it via GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS or DEA’s Atlanta Division Office at (404) 893-7000.
Further resources about drug dangers can be found online at various educational websites provided by government agencies.
For more information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone as listed above.
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