Federal Charges Filed After Fentanyl-Laced Pills Allegedly Sold at Forest Park Farmers Market

ATLANTA, TX – A Mexican national who federal authorities say was illegally living in the United States has appeared in federal court on charges tied to the alleged distribution of fentanyl-laced pills from a produce stand at a Forest Park farmers market.

Luis Sanchez-Acevedo, 41, of Tehuacán, Mexico, appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge this week on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Prosecutors allege Sanchez-Acevedo sold counterfeit “M-30” pills containing fentanyl and xylazine, a powerful veterinary sedative also known as “tranq,” while operating a fruits and vegetables stand at a farmers market in Forest Park. Investigators say the activity occurred in September and October 2025 and involved approximately 3,000 pills sold from or near the produce stand.

DEA agents ultimately recovered the pills, and laboratory testing confirmed they contained fentanyl and xylazine, a combination authorities say significantly increases the risk of fatal overdoses. On January 13, 2026, agents arrested Sanchez-Acevedo at the produce stand and seized roughly 1,000 additional counterfeit pills during a search.

“This defendant allegedly distributed deadly ‘tranq’ pills containing fentanyl and xylazine at a farmers market where he sold fruits and vegetables,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement. “Our community is a safer place now that this illegal alien and his lethal pills are off the streets.”

Jae W. Chung, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Division, said the case underscores the agency’s focus on fentanyl trafficking as part of its nationwide enforcement efforts.

“This defendant is accused of distributing fentanyl, a drug responsible for countless overdose poisonings across our country,” Chung said.

Investigators also determined Sanchez-Acevedo is a citizen of Mexico who is allegedly in the United States illegally.

Federal officials emphasized that the criminal complaint contains allegations only. Sanchez-Acevedo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The case is being investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Clayton County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herskowitz and Edward C. Robinson Jr.