Federal and local authorities seized more than 1,500 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside shipments of blackberries during coordinated search warrants in Atlanta and Hall County late Friday, according to the FBI.
FBI Atlanta said Monday that agents recovered a total of 719 kilos — roughly 1,585 pounds — of meth during searches conducted Nov. 21.
In Atlanta, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the FBI and other agencies, searched a home on Custer Avenue SE. Investigators found 419 kilos (927 pounds) of meth concealed inside a refrigerated truck parked outside the residence. The drugs were packed within what appeared to be a shipment of blackberries.
Another 300 kilos (661 pounds) were found the same night in Hall County, where deputies located a second refrigerated box truck outside a business on McEver Road. Like the first shipment, the meth was hidden among containers of blackberries, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigation began months prior
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said the seizure was the result of an investigation that began earlier this fall. Deputies and federal agents located the truck just before 3 a.m. Nov. 21 in the 1400 block of McEver Road and used an HCSO K-9 to confirm the presence of narcotics before obtaining a search warrant. Investigators estimated the street value of the 300 kilos at $22.5 million.
The driver of the truck, identified as Gerardo Solorio-Alvarado, 44, a native of Mexico living in Gainesville, was arrested later that day at his residence off Browns Bridge Road. He is being held without bond on a felony meth trafficking charge.
“I know it’s disturbing to the public to realize such large amounts of illegal drugs are being trafficked into our community, but I hope citizens take comfort in knowing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office has investigators who are dedicated to curbing drug activity,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said. He added that he is proud of the work of local investigators and grateful for partnerships with state and federal agencies.
Trafficked from Mexico
Authorities believe both blackberry shipments were trafficked into the United States from Mexico.
Three men have been arrested and face state charges as the broader investigation continues. Federal charges remain possible as agencies work to trace the source and distribution network behind the shipments.
Anyone with information is asked to contact FBI Atlanta at tips.fbi.gov, the GBI West Metro Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 770-830-1375, or the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
