Rodrigo Morales-Figueroa, a 29-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, appeared in federal court on June 23, 2025. He faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the situation: “Foreign cartels profit from the addiction and deaths of Americans, pushing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our community.” He noted that the swift actions of federal law enforcement disrupted a major drug trafficking pipeline from Mexico.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, stated, “This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs.” He emphasized that keeping communities safe remains their highest priority.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, remarked on the dangers posed by fentanyl: “The dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and this arrest demonstrates our resolve to protect our communities from its devastating impact.” Schrank acknowledged the efforts that led to intercepting ten kilograms of fentanyl before it could reach Georgia’s streets.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and information presented in court: In early June 2025, law enforcement seized ten kilograms of fentanyl hidden inside car batteries transported by a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). On June 17, investigators learned about a courier being sent to retrieve the fentanyl. The next day saw special agents conduct a controlled delivery involving fake fentanyl at an agreed-upon location in Gainesville, Georgia.
Morales-Figueroa allegedly arrived at this location, inspected packages containing fake fentanyl, and loaded them into his vehicle before Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested him.
The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations at this stage; Morales-Figueroa has not been indicted by a grand jury yet. As such he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt during trial proceedings initiated by government prosecutors.
The investigation involves cooperation between multiple agencies including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), alongside assistance provided by Hall County Sheriff’s Office personnel.
This case forms part Operation Take Back America – an initiative utilizing Department Justice resources against illegal immigration threats while targeting cartel activities or transnational criminal organizations involved within violent crime networks across United States territories through streamlined efforts orchestrated via Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) along Project Safe Neighborhood programs nationwide
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keen will handle prosecution duties related ongoing legal matters surrounding these recent developments regarding alleged illicit narcotics operations intercepted near Gainesville area earlier last month
For further inquiries or additional details please contact US Attorney Public Affairs Office via email address USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov phone number listed as (404)581-6185 official website link directed toward Northern District Georgia division located online http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga available general public access needs pertaining aforementioned topic coverage discussed hereinabove throughout current reporting summary overview prepared above accordingly
