Juan Carlos Solano Lorenzo and Jorge Luis Ramirez Bibiano, both Mexican nationals residing illegally in the United States, appeared in federal court on charges related to methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The arrests follow a law enforcement investigation into alleged drug distribution activities in the metro-Atlanta area.
“Quick work by our law enforcement partners disrupted this drug trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Agents seized large quantities of drugs, a firearm, and subsequently arrested the two defendants who are in our country illegally and will face justice here.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, stated: “As part of the DEA’s Fentanyl-Free America initiative, DEA and our state and local partners are united in sending a clear message: trafficking dangerous drugs and carrying firearms will not be tolerated. These arrests demonstrate our continued commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and preventing the violence they bring into our communities.”
According to information presented by prosecutors, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) discovered that Solano Lorenzo and Ramirez Bibiano were allegedly distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from an apartment near Piedmont Park. On January 21, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at this location where they found approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 suspected fentanyl-laced pills labeled “M30,” and a loaded firearm next to Ramirez Bibiano’s wallet.
Both men are citizens of Mexico who were determined to be illegally present in the United States. Earlier today, Solano Lorenzo appeared before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ramirez Bibiano faced charges for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine as well as possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
The defendants have been remanded to U.S. Marshals Service custody pending further proceedings. The public is reminded that these criminal complaints contain only charges; both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from local agencies including the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Task Force Narcotics Unit, Georgia State Patrol, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and Atlanta Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl is prosecuting this case.
The prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration-related crime and targeting transnational criminal organizations involved in violent offenses.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as the principal federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia—covering millions of residents across urban centers like Atlanta as well as rural regions—and works closely with other agencies on issues such as drug trafficking and public safety threats throughout its jurisdiction.
For more information about drug dangers or educational resources for families visit www.justthinktwice.gov.
