Edgar Zamarron-Cobos, a Mexican citizen illegally present in the United States, faces federal charges after authorities seized over 130 pounds of methamphetamine from his vehicle following a pursuit and crash in DeKalb County, according to an April 22 announcement by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to address drug trafficking and public safety risks in north Georgia. The region is served by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, which covers approximately 7.5 million residents across areas including Atlanta suburbs and borders with Alabama and the Carolinas, according to its official website.
According to court information provided by U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, Drug Enforcement Administration agents observed Zamarron-Cobos placing three large black trash bags into a Jeep at a Decatur fast-food restaurant on April 15 before he drove away. When troopers attempted to stop him, Zamarron-Cobos fled in opposing lanes of traffic before crashing into several vehicles at Covington Highway and I-285, causing injuries to other motorists. Law enforcement then found about 130 pounds of methamphetamine inside his car.
“This defendant, who is illegally in our country, allegedly sought to traffic over 130 pounds of deadly methamphetamine and purportedly injured innocent bystanders as he tried to flee from law enforcement,” said Hertzberg. “My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to hold drug traffickers accountable in federal court – where there is no opportunity for parole – in order to keep our communities safe.”
Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said: “Fleeing from law enforcement with a large quantity of methamphetamine is a blatant disregard for public safety… We remain committed to holding individuals accountable and protecting the communities we serve.”
Zamarron-Cobos was named in a criminal complaint on April 17 charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; he remains held at DeKalb County Jail pending an expected appearance before federal court this week.
The office led by Hertzberg serves as principal federal law enforcement agency for its district according to its official website, prioritizing prosecution of threats such as terrorism, human trafficking and civil rights violations while enforcing criminal laws through collaboration with local agencies as reported by its official website. The office also coordinates cases that have nationwide or international implications according to its official website.
Officials remind that all charges are allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
