A Columbus man has been convicted of drug trafficking as part of Operation Sweet Silence, a multi-agency law enforcement initiative targeting criminal organizations in the area. The operation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice campaign aimed at dismantling cartels and other criminal groups.
Marquez Holloway, also known as “Glizzy,” 32, was found guilty by a jury on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 50 kilograms of marijuana. The verdict followed a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Holloway could face up to 30 years in federal prison when sentenced on February 24, 2026. Federal sentencing does 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 commented on the outcome: “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 stated: “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 called it an important result for public safety: “This is a huge victory for the citizens we serve,” he said. “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.”
According to court documents presented during trial, Operation Sweet Silence ran from August 2022 through May 2024 investigating armed drug trafficking linked primarily with the Zohannon street gang; however, authorities determined Holloway was not affiliated with that group but sought control over Columbus’s illegal drug market by supplying high-grade marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine sourced from California.
Evidence showed that between September and December 2023 Holloway obtained at least 110 pounds of marijuana intended for distribution in Columbus; he also purchased a kilogram of cocaine during this period while attempting acquisition of methamphetamine for sale locally. Holloway has previously been convicted at the state level in Georgia for drug trafficking.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office; 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 support from Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Hansis from the Middle District of Georgia along with Trial Attorney Matthew P. Mattis from DOJ’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the case.
