Two Venezuelan Nationals Arrested in Gwinnett County for Meth and Cocaine Trafficking

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – On July 2, 2025, agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) arrested Hector Moreno Luzardo, 35, and Gelis Escalona Martinez, 41, both of Venezuela, on charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine and Trafficking in Cocaine.

The arrests stem from an investigation that began in March 2025 after agents received information indicating Luzardo was involved in the sale of cocaine. As the investigation progressed, agents gathered evidence leading to a search warrant for Luzardo’s residence in Gwinnett County.

During the search, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, over half a kilogram of cocaine, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Martinez, also identified as a participant in the drug trafficking operation, was found inside the home during the execution of the search warrant.

Both Luzardo and Martinez were booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, FBI North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, and DEA Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area assisted in the investigation. Authorities say the case remains active and ongoing.

If you have information related to drug activity, you are encouraged to call GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.