Rodrigo Morales-Figueroa, a 29-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, was brought before a federal court on June 23, 2025. He faces charges related to the possession and intent to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “Foreign cartels profit from the addiction and deaths of Americans, pushing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in our community.” He praised federal law enforcement for their swift action in disrupting a significant drug trafficking operation originating from Mexico.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, emphasized the agency’s dedication to combating drug distribution: “This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs.”
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, highlighted the risks associated with fentanyl: “The dangers of fentanyl cannot be overstated, and this arrest demonstrates our resolve to protect our communities from its devastating impact.” He credited collaborative efforts for intercepting ten kilograms of fentanyl intended for Georgia streets.
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg’s office, law enforcement intercepted ten kilograms of fentanyl concealed within car batteries by a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) earlier in June 2025. On June 17, authorities were informed about a planned courier pick-up. The next day saw a controlled delivery operation by Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations agents at an agreed location in Gainesville, Georgia.
Morales-Figueroa allegedly inspected fake fentanyl packages during this operation before loading them into his vehicle. He was subsequently arrested by Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the sting.
The public is reminded that Morales-Figueroa has not been indicted by a grand jury yet and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The investigation involves collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with support from Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on eliminating illegal immigration impacts and dismantling cartels as well as transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The effort combines resources from various Department of Justice initiatives like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keen is leading prosecution efforts on this case.
For more information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6185. Visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga for additional details about Northern District of Georgia’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.
