Key Points:
• Law enforcement arrested three suspects after executing search warrants in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and Woodstock.
• Authorities seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution and nine firearms.
A Sandy Springs resident was one of three men arrested after a lengthy investigation into a criminal drug trafficking organization that law enforcement officials said had ties to a Mexican cartel.
Jose Radilla Maldonado, 29, of Sandy Springs, and Jubenal Farfan Arellano, 52, and Omar Flores Mena, 33, both of Mexico, were arrested after five search warrants were executed in Sandy Springs, Woodstock, and Atlanta on Oct. 29 and 30, according to a news release.
The suspects were charged with racketeering and attempt or conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. The release said Flores was also charged with possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Law enforcement seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution. Nine firearms were also seized, according to the release. The investigation revealed that associates of Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) were working with metro Atlanta contacts to traffic firearms, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine
The suspects were booked into the Cherokee County Jail. More charges are expected, according to the release. Warrants are pending for additional suspects. The GBI’s news release said that these arrests were the result of a lengthy drug investigation into this criminal drug trafficking organization.
The GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, Atlanta Police Department Narcotics Unit, Sandy Springs Police Department, and the Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force took part in the investigation and arrested. The release said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) also contributed to the investigation.
Individuals with information related to drug activity are encouraged to call GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online or by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
The ARDEO is a multi-agency unit that covers 30 counties in North Georgia.