Two auto mechanics from DeKalb County have been charged with federal drug trafficking offenses after authorities seized around 2,500 pounds of methamphetamine from their vehicles. Daniel Santana-Lopez, a 39-year-old illegal alien from Guanajuato, Mexico, was arraigned on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal reentry by a removed alien. Jared Thompson, 41, of Snellville, Georgia, faced similar charges along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.
“These defendants, including a twice-deported illegal alien, allegedly tried to conceal a major methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in a local automobile repair shop,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He emphasized the efforts made by federal and local law enforcement partners to dismantle the operation.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division remarked on the DEA's ongoing mission: “DEA’s mission remains the same: seize dangerous drugs before they reach our communities and bring to justice those criminals responsible.”
The case unfolded when law enforcement stopped Santana-Lopez on October 23, 2024. Officers reportedly found approximately 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine in his vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Santana-Lopez had been deported previously in 2014 and 2017 and had distributed methamphetamine multiple times during mid-2024.
Shortly after Santana-Lopez's arrest, Thompson was also apprehended leaving the same auto repair shop where he worked as a mechanic. His vehicle allegedly contained about 140 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm.
Both men were indicted by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia on June 11, 2025.
The public is reminded that these are only charges at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading this investigation alongside other agencies such as North Georgia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives among others.
Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr., will be prosecuting this case which falls under Operation Take Back America – an initiative aiming for comprehensive elimination against cartels transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding communities against violent crimes through Department Justice resources collaboration like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Project Safe Neighborhoods etcetera
For more information contact U.S Attorney Public Affairs Office via email USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone (404)581-6185
###
