Three Mexican nationals, identified as Sergio Cortes-Nieto, Christian Martinez Larumbe Dominguez, and Jose Angel Cortes Raquel, have appeared in federal court in Atlanta on charges connected to the alleged operation of a methamphetamine laboratory in Brookhaven. Authorities say all three are illegally present in the United States.
Jose Angel Cortes Raquel was also arraigned on a separate indictment related to an August 2024 incident involving over 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine hidden among celery at the Atlanta State Farmers Market. Prosecutors allege he coordinated the delivery of those drugs.
“These illegal aliens, including a fugitive from justice charged with trafficking more than a ton of methamphetamine that agents removed from the streets in a record-breaking seizure, were allegedly audaciously operating a drug lab in the backyard of a suburban home,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “To ensure that the cartels never secure a foothold in North Georgia, even as they try to imbed themselves in our neighborhoods, we will continue to aggressively prosecute the criminals responsible for manufacturing and distributing this poison.”
“This lab was operating in a backyard, in close proximity to families and children,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “That level of disregard for human life is unacceptable. Our priority remains protecting the public from the devastating impact of illegal drug manufacturing.”
According to statements made by prosecutors and information presented during court proceedings, DEA agents executed a search warrant at a residence on February 20, 2026. Agents found Cortes Raquel and Larumbe Dominguez allegedly operating a methamphetamine conversion laboratory under a tent behind the house. Approximately 100 pounds of liquid methamphetamine mixed with concrete and another 50 liters of liquid meth solution were seized at the scene. Cortes-Nieto was arrested earlier that day at a nearby storage facility.
The three men face charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Cortes Raquel faces additional charges for conspiracy relating to last year’s large-scale seizure.
Officials remind that criminal complaints and indictments are only accusations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading the investigation into these cases.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz are prosecuting these matters.
These prosecutions fall under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and reducing violent crime across communities.
Theodore S. Hertzberg serves as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia (official website). The office covers an area serving about 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, and borders with Alabama and the Carolinas (official website). It acts as principal federal law enforcement agency for this region (official website), prioritizing prosecution against threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, civil rights violations (official website), while enforcing federal laws and collaborating with law enforcement partners (official website). The office also coordinates cases with nationwide or international implications (official website).
Parents seeking information about drug dangers can visit www.justthinktwice.gov for resources recommended by officials.
