Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Alexander Arellano, previously convicted of trafficking methamphetamine, has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl in Atlanta while possessing firearms. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. highlighted the severity of the crime, stating, "Fentanyl traffickers pose a tremendous threat to public safety, especially when they illegally possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes." He added, "Defendants like Arellano who peddle this poison in our communities are being held accountable, including through lengthy prison sentences, thanks to the collaborative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners."
The case was monitored closely by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked, "Arellano endangered countless lives by trafficking large quantities of deadly fentanyl. The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with fentanyl will be held accountable."
On May 3, 2024, DEA special agents witnessed Arellano selling half a kilogram of fentanyl in a Marietta gas station parking lot. They subsequently followed him to his apartment, leading to his arrest. A search of the apartment revealed 10 kilograms of fentanyl, $120,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms, including an AK-47 pistol. At the time, Arellano was on probation.
Judge William M. Ray II sentenced Arellano, 25, to 13 years and three months in prison, with an additional four years of supervised release. Arellano was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, following his guilty plea on August 29, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Cobb County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Bethany L. Rupert prosecuted the case. Further inquiries can be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office.
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