Suburban Meth Lab Busted in Marietta; Two Arrested, One Fugitive Sought

Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez, both Mexican nationals unlawfully present in the United States, appeared in federal court on June 4, 2025, after being arrested on federal drug trafficking charges. A third suspect, Filemon Hernandez-Jijon, also unlawfully present in the U.S., remains a fugitive.

The charges stem from a June 3 operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to court documents and testimony, Hernandez-Jijon was observed supplying two kilograms of methamphetamine to a buyer in Smyrna, Georgia. Investigators later tracked him to a mobile home in Marietta, where agents executed a federal search warrant.

Inside the mobile home, agents encountered Perez-Maldonado and Garcia Gomez. One additional individual fled the scene. A search revealed a working drug lab actively converting liquid methamphetamine into its crystal form. Investigators recovered at least 13 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine, two handguns—including one concealed in a toilet tank—and money transfer receipts linked to Garcia Gomez and Hernandez-Jijon.

Outside the home, agents found chemicals and equipment used to manufacture meth, including acetone and empty coolers. A separate search at a Smyrna apartment uncovered a loaded Glock pistol in a baby crib, two additional loaded magazines, and identification for Perez-Maldonado. Authorities also found a Springfield XD firearm and a mechanical press used to form kilogram-sized bricks of drugs.

Garcia Gomez and Hernandez-Jijon face additional charges for possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the U.S. Both Perez-Maldonado and Hernandez-Jijon had previously been deported.

The investigation is ongoing. Hernandez-Jijon remains at large, and anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca M. Ojeda. The DEA is leading the investigation, with support from the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Narcotics Unit and the DeKalb County Police Department – HIDTA Task Force.