Two Plead Guilty in China-Linked Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Run from Georgia Prison
ATHENS, Ga. — Two men have pleaded guilty in a federal drug trafficking case involving fentanyl and a synthetic drug shipped from China, including one defendant who allegedly directed the operation from inside a Georgia prison.
Devito Duran Young, 46, also known as “Big” or “Big Man,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Trace Davrin Works, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Both men entered their pleas before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on April 1. Each faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2026.
According to prosecutors, Young orchestrated the drug operation while incarcerated at Macon State Prison, using a contraband cellphone and encrypted messaging apps to order fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids from suppliers in China.
Authorities said Young directed Works to receive and distribute the drugs, which were shipped to various addresses in Georgia and elsewhere. Payments were allegedly made using cryptocurrency.
Investigators said the operation also involved multiple co-conspirators, including individuals in Georgia and suppliers in China. Federal authorities allege the drugs were distributed nationwide and even trafficked into correctional facilities.
As part of the broader case, additional defendants have been charged, including Andreaus Oliver Sr. and Andreaus Oliver Jr., both of Georgia, as well as two Chinese nationals, Xin Wang and Gao Yong, who remain fugitives.
During the investigation, agents executed a search warrant at a Cordele residence linked to the operation, where they found large quantities of synthetic cannabinoids, drug-processing materials, shipping supplies, and records of distribution. Authorities also seized approximately $170,000 in cryptocurrency.
Prosecutors said the conspiracy involved more than 2,600 fentanyl pills and over 5,500 grams of a synthetic cannabinoid known as MDMB-4en-PINACA.
“From a Georgia prison, the defendants trafficked fentanyl from China, profiting from the suffering of others,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case.
