Federal Agents Seize Nearly 50 Pounds of Fentanyl in Metro Atlanta Cartel Investigation
Atlanta, GA — A Doraville man accused of distributing large quantities of fentanyl on behalf of a Mexican drug cartel appeared in federal court Tuesday following a major drug investigation in the metro Atlanta area.
According to federal prosecutors, Kevin Martinez, 20, is facing a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after authorities allegedly discovered large amounts of the deadly drug tied to him during a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation.
Investigators say Martinez was operating under the direction of the Mexico-based La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel, a criminal organization known for trafficking narcotics into the United States.
“Martinez allegedly worked on behalf of a terrorist drug cartel, flooding our communities with massive quantities of lethal fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of the tireless and courageous work of law enforcement, Martinez is in federal custody, and the cartel’s deadly drugs are off the street.”
The DEA investigation revealed that Martinez allegedly distributed fentanyl stamped with a distinctive marking showing a Pacman symbol eating an “LV” logo.
Agents first seized six pounds of the stamped fentanyl during two traffic stops in Fulton County and Henry County on February 4 and February 18, 2026.
Authorities say the investigation escalated on March 6, when agents executed a federal search warrant at Martinez’s apartment in Doraville. During the search, agents reportedly discovered approximately 44 pounds of fentanyl concealed inside car batteries. Investigators also recovered six firearms and a money counter from the residence.
DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung said the arrest highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl.
“This arrest demonstrates DEA’s unwavering commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis,” Chung said. “The distribution of fentanyl poses an extreme danger to our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle those responsible.”
Martinez appeared before a federal magistrate judge on the criminal complaint earlier Tuesday. Federal officials emphasized that a criminal complaint only contains allegations and that Martinez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Police Department and Henry County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric White and Sandy Strippoli are prosecuting the case.
