Two Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Metro-Atlanta

Alba Ordoñez-Ordoñez and Jose Guadalupe Canizales-Rivera have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation in Metro-Atlanta. Ordoñez-Ordoñez was found guilty of conspiring to transport and distribute fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills and methamphetamine. Canizales-Rivera assisted Ordoñez-Ordoñez in her methamphetamine operation.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the dangers posed by drug traffickers who disguise lethal narcotics as legitimate medication. He expressed gratitude to federal and local law enforcement partners for their collaboration in combating the distribution of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Patrone of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) underscored the importance of joint efforts in preventing dangerous drugs from infiltrating communities. Patrone reaffirmed HSI’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking organizations and safeguarding communities from illicit substances.

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the investigation began when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered over two kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within an air conditioning unit in a shipment from Mexico to Georgia. Homeland Security Investigations conducted a controlled delivery of the drugs to the intended destination in Norcross, Georgia, where Ordoñez-Ordoñez and Canizales-Rivera were apprehended.

Agents discovered a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine, thousands of pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl disguised as oxycodone, and drug trafficking paraphernalia at the residence. Further investigation revealed that Ordoñez-Ordoñez had exposed her six-year-old daughter to drug fumes while manufacturing methamphetamine in her kitchen.

Alba Ordoñez-Ordoñez, 43, of Honduras, was sentenced to 138 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Steven C. Jones. Jose Guadalupe Canizales-Rivera, 33, of Mexico, was previously sentenced to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.