Leader sentenced for multi-state fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking

Wilfort Foster, III, a 41-year-old from El Monte, California, has been sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for his role in a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering operation. Foster led an organization that transported large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to North Georgia and other areas, while laundering significant sums of money derived from these activities.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, "Our office partnered with a host of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle a significant, multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering network." He added that the sentence should serve as a warning against trafficking deadly substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division emphasized their commitment to targeting money laundering networks linked to illegal drugs. "We will continue to follow the money trail while working alongside our partners," he said.

Paul Brown from FBI Atlanta highlighted the end of a long-term effort against Foster's network: "The FBI remains focused on dismantling these dangerous organizations at every level."

Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations noted the danger posed by such narcotics: "Thanks to the dedicated efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners, Wilfort Foster, III...will no longer be able to endanger lives with these deadly substances."

Foster's operation involved transporting drugs from California using various methods including stash houses and illegal gambling operations. His associates laundered over $600,000 through shell companies or by physically transporting cash back to California.

Judge William M. Ray II handed down Foster's sentence following his guilty plea earlier this year. Another member of the organization, Steven Ham from Cartersville, Georgia, received a 15-year sentence last November.

Several other defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with this case and are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations among others under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

For more information about drug dangers visit www.justthinktwice.gov or contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185.