Rodericus San Juan Warner has been charged with allegedly distributing large quantities of carfentanil, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine in Atlanta. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is typically used by veterinarians to sedate large animals.
Warner was denied bond and will remain in custody as his case proceeds. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “Synthetic opioid abuse continues to claim lives, and now fentanyl has become a gateway to an even more dangerous drug, carfentanil. A convicted felon, Warner allegedly showed no fear of the law and absolutely no concern for the deadly risk drugs and guns posed to the small children at the residence he occupied.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, commented on the dangers involved: “Carfentanil is a deadly synthetic narcotic — used to tranquilize elephants, not meant for human consumption. Yet this offender chose to sell it alongside fentanyl and methamphetamine, showing total disregard for human life. Our agents are relentless in targeting those who bring this level of danger into our communities.”
According to court information presented by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, DEA agents began investigating Warner in October 2025 after identifying him as a suspected drug trafficker. Agents allege that Warner sold hundreds of pills containing carfentanil and fentanyl along with over 100 grams of methamphetamine.
Federal search warrants were obtained for four residences and several vehicles linked to Warner’s alleged trafficking operation. On November 6, 2025, DEA agents executed these warrants and arrested Warner at a home he shared with his girlfriend and her three school-aged children. Authorities recovered two loaded firearms, $20,000 in cash, and various high-end jewelry from the residence; as a five-time convicted felon, Warner is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Additional searches uncovered further evidence: In one vehicle outside the residence, law enforcement found suspected fentanyl pills and oxycodone pills; at another property associated with Warner’s alleged drug sales activities, agents discovered four loaded firearms along with approximately 6,000 suspected fentanyl pills, significant amounts of methamphetamine (258 grams), cocaine (201 grams), oxycodone (60 pills), and one kilogram of marijuana.
Warner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon on federal criminal charges related to these allegations.
The public is reminded that these are only charges at this stage; Warner is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation into this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl is prosecuting.
Parents seeking information about drug risks can visit www.justthinktwice.gov for resources provided by federal authorities.
