Rodericus San Juan Warner has been charged with allegedly distributing large quantities of carfentanil, fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine in Atlanta. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid considered about 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is typically used by veterinarians to sedate large animals.
Warner was denied bond and will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “Synthetic opioid abuse continues to claim lives, and now fentanyl has become a gateway to an even more dangerous drug, carfentanil. A convicted felon, Warner allegedly showed no fear of the law and absolutely no concern for the deadly risk drugs and guns posed to the small children at the residence he occupied.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, commented on the case: “Carfentanil is a deadly synthetic narcotic — used to tranquilize elephants, not meant for human consumption. Yet this offender chose to sell it alongside fentanyl and methamphetamine, showing total disregard for human life. Our agents are relentless in targeting those who bring this level of danger into our communities.”
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, DEA agents began investigating Warner as a suspected drug trafficker in October 2025. Authorities allege that Warner sold hundreds of pills containing carfentanil and fentanyl as well as over 100 grams of methamphetamine.
Federal search warrants were obtained for four residences and several vehicles linked to Warner’s alleged drug trafficking activities. On November 6, 2025, DEA agents executed these warrants and arrested Warner at a home he shared with his girlfriend and her three children. At that location, law enforcement recovered two loaded firearms, $20,000 in cash, and high-end jewelry. As a five-time convicted felon, Warner is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Additional searches led agents to recover suspected fentanyl pills and oxycodone pills from one vehicle outside the residence. At another property reportedly used by Warner for drug sales, authorities found four loaded firearms; approximately 6,000 suspected fentanyl pills; significant amounts of methamphetamine (258 grams), cocaine (201 grams), oxycodone (60 pills), and marijuana (one kilogram).
Warner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon on federal criminal charges related to these allegations.
The public is reminded that these are only charges at this stage; Warner is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation into this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl is prosecuting.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages parents and children to learn more about drug dangers at www.justthinktwice.gov.
For additional information or media inquiries regarding this case or other matters handled by the office, contact details are available through their official website: http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
