Two auto mechanics from DeKalb County are facing federal drug trafficking charges after authorities seized approximately 2,500 pounds of methamphetamine from their vehicles. Daniel Santana-Lopez, a 39-year-old illegal alien from Guanajuato, Mexico, was arraigned on charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal reentry by a removed alien. Jared Thompson, 41, of Snellville, Georgia, was arraigned earlier on similar drug-related charges and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“These defendants, including a twice-deported illegal alien, allegedly tried to conceal a major methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in a local automobile repair shop,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He emphasized the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement in dismantling the operation.
“DEA’s mission remains the same: seize dangerous drugs before they reach our communities and bring to justice those criminals responsible,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
U.S. Attorney Hertzberg provided details that on October 23, 2024, Santana-Lopez was stopped by law enforcement after leaving an auto repair shop where he worked. Officers reportedly found around 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine in his vehicle. The investigation indicated that Santana-Lopez had been deported twice previously and had allegedly distributed methamphetamine multiple times during mid-2024.
Thompson was apprehended about an hour later as he left the same repair shop. His vehicle allegedly contained approximately 140 kilograms of methamphetamine along with a firearm.
Both men were indicted by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia on June 11, 2025.
The public is reminded that these are only charges at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The case is under investigation by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Georgia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown Jr. is prosecuting this case as part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime.
For more information about drug dangers visit www.justthinktwice.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office for inquiries.
