Theodore S. Hertzberg United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | Department of Justice
Rodrigo Morales-Figueroa, a 29-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, appeared in federal court on June 23, 2025. He faces federal charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
"Foreign cartels profit from the addiction and deaths of Americans, pushing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our community," stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Our federal law enforcement partners saved countless lives by working quickly in this investigation, which disrupted a major drug trafficking pipeline from Mexico."
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, emphasized the agency's dedication: "This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs. Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority."
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, added: "The dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and this arrest demonstrates our resolve to protect our communities from its devastating impact." He credited law enforcement's efforts for intercepting ten kilograms of fentanyl before it reached Georgia streets.
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg provided details about the case: In early June 2025, authorities seized ten kilograms of fentanyl concealed within car batteries transported by a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). On June 17, investigators learned that a courier was scheduled to retrieve the fentanyl. The following day saw DEA and Homeland Security agents conduct a controlled delivery involving fake fentanyl at an agreed location in Gainesville, Georgia.
Morales-Figueroa arrived at this location where he allegedly inspected and loaded the packages into his vehicle before being arrested by Hall County Sheriff's Office deputies assisting with the operation.
It is important to note that Morales-Figueroa has not been indicted by a grand jury yet; he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration along with U.S Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are leading this case supported by Hall County Sheriff’s Office under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling illegal immigration networks as well as cartel operations while safeguarding communities against violent crime perpetrators through organized crime task forces like OCDETFs or Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keen will prosecute this matter further information can be obtained via U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office contacts provided below:
Email: USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov
Phone: (404) 581-6185
Website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga
Alerts Sign-up