Hiram Man Indicted After Seizure of Enough Fentanyl to Kill 500,000 People

Darrlin Vernard Warner, also known as “Juice,” 39, of Hiram, Georgia, has been arraigned on federal charges, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Law enforcement officials allege that Warner was a significant trafficker of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Paulding and Douglas Counties, presenting a substantial threat to public safety. On November 13, 2024, federal, state, and local authorities executed a search warrant on Warner’s home and vehicle, recovering approximately one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of fentanyl, one pound of methamphetamine, five firearms, and $177,000 in cash, along with other suspected controlled substances.

According to officials, two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. The kilogram of fentanyl seized from Warner could have potentially caused 500,000 fatalities.

“Warner was allegedly trafficking a substantial amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, posing an immense threat to the safety of residents of Paulding and Douglas Counties,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Fentanyl and methamphetamine continue to ravage communities throughout northern Georgia. Our Office is especially proud of the impact that our federal, state, and local law enforcement made in this investigation.”

FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke echoed those sentiments, highlighting the toll that fentanyl poisonings and other dangerous drugs have taken on Georgia communities. GBI Director Chris Hosey noted the scale of the crisis, emphasizing the deadly nature of the substances involved.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cartersville Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Paulding County Fire/Rescue and Metro Ambulance.

Warner was arraigned on January 14, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Walter E. Johnson. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2024.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment only contains charges, and Warner is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold, III, and Thomas M. Forsyth, III, are prosecuting the case.