A Columbus resident has been found guilty of drug trafficking as part of Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency investigation targeting criminal organizations in the region. The operation is connected to Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at dismantling cartels and transnational criminal groups across the United States.
Marquez Holloway, also known as “Glizzy,” 32, was convicted by a jury on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 50 kilograms of marijuana. The trial took place over two days beginning December 1 before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Holloway faces up to 30 years in federal prison with sentencing set for February 24, 2026. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
“Illegal drugs pouring into our communities from dangerous cartels pose a serious threat to the safety of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Here in the Middle District of Georgia, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations and hold their associates accountable.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated: “The jury convicted the defendant of working across state lines to traffic dangerous drugs — methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana — into his community. These poisonous drugs drive violence and addiction. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug traffickers to restore a sense of safety to neighborhoods throughout the country.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented: “Illicit drugs devastate our communities, resulting in significant suffering by those addicted and their families. We will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to prevent this poison from finding its way onto our streets.”
Rob Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division added: “The DEA is deploying all resources available to combat criminal organizations that are destroying our communities with drugs, guns and violence. This repeat offender’s actions show a deliberate attempt to seize control of an illicit drug market and expand the harm these substances inflict on our communities. DEA will not allow individuals like this to profit from addiction and violence. We will continue working with our partners to disrupt their operations and bring them to justice.”
Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said: “This is a huge victory for the citizens we serve. There is strength in collaboration when we combine our resources to go after criminal enterprises involving street gangs, drug dealers and convicted felons. We will continue this fight for safer streets and a safer community.”
Court documents revealed that Operation Sweet Silence was conducted between August 2022 and May 2024 as an investigation into illegal activities linked with the Zohannon street gang involving armed drug trafficking; however, Holloway was not identified as a member but worked alongside others seeking control over Columbus's illegal drug market by supplying high-grade narcotics sourced from California.
Between September and December 2023, Holloway obtained at least 110 pounds of marijuana intended for sale locally; he also purchased cocaine by kilogram quantities while attempting procurement of methamphetamine during this period according to evidence presented at trial. Holloway has prior convictions related to drug trafficking under Georgia state law.
Operation Take Back America coordinates Department of Justice resources—including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods—to address illegal immigration impacts while focusing efforts against violent crime networks nationwide.
The investigation involved collaboration among multiple agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office—with additional support from Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Russell County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office; Coweta County Sheriff’s Office; Sacramento County (California) Sheriff’s Office; as well as Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis from the Middle District of Georgia along with Trial Attorney Matthew P. Mattis from the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
