Men charged after seizure of over 700 pounds of meth hidden in cucumbers

Andres Jasso, Jr. and Rufino Pineda-Perez appeared in federal court following their arrest on charges related to the trafficking of over 700 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs were concealed within a tractor-trailer load of cucumbers outside a Gainesville warehouse.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the case, stating, "Thanks to the diligent work of our federal and state law enforcement partners, a tremendous amount of meticulously concealed methamphetamine was located, was seized, and will never hit the street." He emphasized that his office would "aggressively prosecute criminals who attempt to use North Georgia as a distribution hub for their deadly poisons."

Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the agency's role: “This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs.” Chung added that keeping communities safe is their highest priority.

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, DEA agents learned about potential drug activity involving a tractor-trailer parked at a Gainesville warehouse on June 30, 2025. Agents found Jasso in a sedan next to the trailer with Pineda-Perez as his passenger. A search revealed thousands of packages containing methamphetamine hidden among boxes labeled as cucumbers.

Pineda-Perez is reportedly an illegal alien from Mexico with prior convictions and deportations related to drug offenses. Both men face charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Pineda-Perez also faces charges for illegal reentry by a removed alien.

The investigation involved collaboration between several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Johnny Baer is leading prosecution efforts.

This case falls under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling major drug trafficking operations in Georgia through coordinated multi-agency efforts.

The public is reminded that criminal complaints contain only allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.

For more information or inquiries regarding this case or others like it, contact details for relevant offices have been provided by authorities.