Alexis Carreon Bocanegra, a 25-year-old Mexican citizen without legal status in the United States, has been arrested and charged in federal court for allegedly distributing fentanyl and possessing firearms. Authorities say that between February and March 2025, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents observed Bocanegra handling suspected illegal drug proceeds totaling about $400,000. In March 2025, he allegedly distributed a vacuum-sealed package containing approximately one kilogram of fentanyl.
On August 25, 2025, DEA agents arrested Bocanegra at his home in Stone Mountain. During a search of the property, agents reportedly found two firearms—including an AR-15 rifle—hidden under a bed. They also discovered roughly 5.5 kilograms of fentanyl concealed inside a Huggies diaper box located in a nearby shed.
Bocanegra was formally charged on August 27 with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The following day, a federal magistrate judge ordered him held without bail pending further proceedings.
“Bocanegra, an illegal alien, allegedly tried to hide a significant amount of deadly fentanyl and unlawfully armed himself to protect his stash,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the diligent investigation of our law enforcement partners, Bocanegra is now in federal custody. His fentanyl will never hit the streets, and his guns will no longer threaten the safety our community.”
“Fentanyl is a poison that continues to claim lives, and combining it with firearms only increases the danger,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA is committed to removing both from our streets.”
The case is being investigated by multiple agencies including the DEA; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office; Atlanta Police Department; DeKalb County Police Department; and Sandy Springs Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney James Hwang is prosecuting the case.
Authorities remind members of the public that criminal complaints contain only charges and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice aiming to combat illegal immigration as well as dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages parents and children to learn more about drug dangers at www.justthinktwice.gov.
For additional information about this case or related topics from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
