Six individuals involved in a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine across the metro-Atlanta area. Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, "These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk." He emphasized continued coordination with law enforcement to prosecute drug traffickers.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, remarked on the threat posed by these traffickers: "These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine." Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations highlighted their role in dismantling such organizations: "This case highlights the critical role Homeland Security Investigations plays in dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities."
The investigation revealed that drugs were sourced from a Mexico-based supplier, including methamphetamine which was converted from liquid to crystal form within Atlanta. Erik Rosales-Lopez was arrested in December 2022 after agents found him at a residence used to process liquid methamphetamine mixed with paint.
In April 2023, Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza were apprehended following a traffic stop where police seized 16 kilograms of methamphetamine. A subsequent search confirmed their connection to a meth lab. Later, Alex Chamorro-Valencia was arrested when his vehicle contained nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine; further investigation uncovered another lab yielding large quantities of narcotics.
The convicted individuals received various sentences:
- Juventino Rodriguez: Sentenced to 54 months followed by four years of supervised release.
- Brayan Garcia-Picasso: Sentenced to 12-and-a-half years followed by four years of supervised release.
- Bryan Pacheco-Carranza: Sentenced to six years followed by three years of supervised release.
- Alex Chamorro-Valencia: Sentenced to eight years followed by four years of supervised release.
- Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez: Sentenced to eight years followed by four years of supervised release.
- Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez: Sentenced to seven years followed by three years of supervised release.
The case involved multiple agencies including the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, supported by local law enforcement bodies like Clayton County Police Department and Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli prosecuted the case under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation aimed at eliminating major crime syndicates in Atlanta.
For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.
