Major Meth Seizures in Georgia
In a significant operation, the FBI, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, executed coordinated raids in the Atlanta region. They managed to seize an impressive total of 719 kilograms, which is almost 1,600 pounds, of methamphetamine valued at around $22.5 million.
This seizure, which occurred on November 21st, involved the drugs being hidden within shipments of blackberries, packed inside two refrigerated trucks. One truck was located outside a residence on Custer Avenue SE in Atlanta, carrying 419 kilograms of meth, while the second was found at a business on McEver Road in Hall County, containing 300 kilograms.
The drugs are believed to have originated from Mexico. Authorities have arrested three men—Juan Hernandez, Nelsonen Sorto, and Gerardo Solorio-Alvarado—on state trafficking charges. Notably, two of these men are now also facing federal charges.
Solorio-Alvarado, who is undocumented, may soon face removal proceedings following his conviction. Though it hasn’t been formally announced yet.
The FBI Atlanta and the Atlanta Homeland Security Task Force emphasized the importance of this discovery, connecting it to ongoing efforts against drug trafficking networks linked to cartels operating in Georgia. With the collaboration of local, state, and federal partners, they have successfully seized large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl while arresting numerous individuals associated with international drug trafficking organizations.
“In just North Georgia, and over the past few months, we’ve noticed substantial methamphetamine seizures involving drugs concealed in cucumbers, celery, jalapeño peppers, and now, blackberries,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore Hertzberg said during a press conference discussing the raid.
In a related incident, the FBI also reported intercepting a truck loaded with over 3,200 kilograms (approximately 7,054 pounds) of methamphetamine concealed within boxes of jalapeños from Mexico.
Anyone with information regarding these cases is encouraged to reach out to FBI Atlanta through their tips portal, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office, or the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
