Rodrigo Morales-Figueroa, a 29-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, appeared in federal court on June 23, 2025. He was arrested on charges related to the 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. He credited federal law enforcement for disrupting a major drug trafficking operation originating from Mexico.
"This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs," said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. "Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority."
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, remarked on the severity of fentanyl's dangers: "The dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and this arrest demonstrates our resolve to protect our communities from its devastating impact." Schrank commended law enforcement for intercepting ten kilograms of fentanyl intended for distribution within Georgia.
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg provided further details about the investigation: 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, federal agents were informed that a courier would retrieve the narcotics. The following day saw special agents conduct a controlled delivery using fake fentanyl at an agreed location in Gainesville, Georgia.
Morales-Figueroa arrived at this location and allegedly examined and loaded these packages into his vehicle before being arrested by deputies from Hall County Sheriff's Office assisting with the operation.
It is important to note that Morales-Figueroa has not yet been indicted by a grand jury and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
This investigation involves collaboration between Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with support from Hall County Sheriff’s Office under Operation Take Back America—an initiative led by Department Justice aiming towards curbing illegal immigration activities while eliminating cartel networks threatening public safety nationwide through strategic deployment organized crime task forces resources alongside Project Safe Neighborhood efforts
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keen will prosecute this case further updates regarding proceedings available via U.S Attorney Public Affairs contact points provided above or visit Northern District official site online
