Albert Ross, the leader of a drug trafficking organization based in Georgia and supplied by Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy charges. U.S. Attorney Peter D. Neary of the United States' Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, disclosed that Ross was implicated in crimes that spanned from trafficking cocaine to ordering a murder.
According to U.S. Attorney Neary, "Albert Ross directed enormous amounts of deadly drugs into Georgia from Mexico for many years—harming our citizens and communities in exchange for a lavish lifestyle". He added that "Ross even admitted to ordering the murder of an associate tied to a drug shipment intercepted by law enforcement". Neary commended the relentless efforts put into bringing Ross to justice, stating, "The multi-year effort to hold him accountable has been unyielding and courageous; we are grateful to be a part of such a remarkable partnership."
A press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Ross was responsible for trafficking approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the United States, among other drugs. These substances were smuggled into Georgia by members of Ross' organization after crossing the Texas border. The majority of these drugs were distributed within Georgia. The investigation unveiled that Ross had connections with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and had once traveled to Mexico City to negotiate a deal with suppliers for increased cocaine trafficking.
During this investigation, law enforcement seized over $3 million in assets, 73 firearms, and substantial quantities of various drugs according to the DOJ press release. As per his conviction, Ross faces a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole.
Experts have identified Atlanta as a significant hub for illicit drug distribution across much of the eastern United States due its strategic location along the interstate highway system as reported by Ledger-Enquirer. Both Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel have substantial operations in Atlanta, utilizing it as a distribution point for fentanyl. The report also highlighted a surge in fentanyl-related deaths in Georgia in recent years.
According to his biography on the DOJ website, Neary was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia in late 2022, having served in an interim capacity for two years prior. He has been a prosecutor for the Middle District of Georgia since 2012.
