Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Thirty-eight individuals involved in a drug trafficking network, including several inmates from Georgia state prisons, have been sentenced for distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl across the metro-Atlanta area. The group also laundered drug proceeds to Mexico.
"The successful dismantling of this large organization is a result of a tenacious multi-year effort from federal, state, and local authorities to root out narcotics trafficking originating from state prisons," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to work with law enforcement partners to combat drug distribution networks.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the sentences: "These sentences mirror the destructive impact on the community caused by this violent drug trafficking organization."
Sean Burke, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, noted that due to collaborative efforts among various law enforcement agencies, "thirty-eight members of this extensive drug distribution network will spend significant time behind bars where they will no longer be able to plague our community with poison."
The investigation revealed that prison inmates used contraband cell phones to arrange drug transactions throughout Atlanta. They coordinated with external conspirators who managed storage and distribution operations. Some members were responsible for laundering money through local remitters back to Mexico. The organization reportedly threatened violence against non-compliant members and plotted violent acts against rivals.
In two phases of investigation led by federal agents, 19 initial conspirators were indicted by a Grand Jury in Georgia's Northern District for drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. Later investigations identified additional key figures such as Jesus Sanchez-Morales and Juan Ramirez who faced further charges.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over 250 kilograms of methamphetamine, 25 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, substantial quantities of fentanyl powder and heroin, marijuana, and over $450,000 in cash.
U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May sentenced those convicted:
- Juan Ramirez received 27 years for multiple counts including conspiracy.
- Jesus Sanchez-Morales was also sentenced to 27 years.
- Martin Maldonado was given nearly 20 years.
- Benjamin Villareal Perez received almost 20 years.
- Jaime Chavez was sentenced to 17 years.
- Several others received varying sentences ranging from three years up to nearly two decades based on their roles and charges related to conspiracy or possession with intent to distribute drugs.
One defendant remains at large; Eusebio Paniagua-Paz is still sought by authorities.
This case involved numerous agencies including the DEA and FBI along with local police departments across Georgia counties as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening national security.
For further details or inquiries about this case or OCDETF operations generally can be directed towards the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or accessed via their official website links provided in prior communications.
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