Adan Macedo-Rios, a 52-year-old Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States, has been convicted of multiple charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms. The conviction follows an investigation that thwarted a planned robbery of a rival cocaine supplier.
“Macedo-Rios, an illegal alien, distributed large amounts of dangerous drugs and laundered his ill-gotten gains through the purchase of a Georgia horse ranch,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He praised law enforcement efforts for disrupting Macedo-Rios’s activities and dismantling his organization.
Jae W. Chung from the DEA Atlanta Division emphasized their commitment to combating transnational criminal organizations: “This investigation demonstrates DEA’s commitment to destroying these drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.”
FBI Special Agent Paul Brown highlighted the importance of protecting communities: “Macedo-Rios repeatedly disregarded the law to enrich himself. The FBI and our partners are firmly committed to ensuring that our communities are protected from the extreme violence and lawlessness displayed by individuals like him.”
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations remarked on the significance of this conviction: “Thanks to the hard work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we’ve turned his ‘stable’ of crime into a one-way ticket to accountability!”
Court records reveal that Macedo-Rios supplied at least 123 kilograms of cocaine for distribution across several states. In 2023, DEA agents intercepted communications leading to significant seizures of narcotics and proceeds linked to Macedo-Rios’s network.
Macedo-Rios also attempted to rob another supplier storing 65 kilograms of cocaine but was foiled by DEA agents who intercepted plans involving surveillance and firearms.
Upon arrest at his Loganville ranch, authorities found firearms despite his prohibited status due to prior deportations and felony convictions.
On May 28, 2025, before Judge J.P. Boulee, Macedo-Rios pleaded guilty to several charges including conspiracy related to drug distribution and robbery. He faces substantial penalties with sentencing set for August 26, 2025.
The case involved multiple agencies such as the DEA, FBI, ATF, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations among others under initiatives like Operation Take Back America aimed at tackling organized crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. DeGenova and Rebeca M. Ojeda are prosecuting this case which is part of broader efforts by OCDETF Strike Force Initiative targeting major criminal networks in Atlanta.
For further information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email or phone provided above.
