Dozen Arrested in Georgia Meth Trafficking Ring Tied to Mexican Cartel
ATHENS, GA – Federal authorities have dismantled a major methamphetamine trafficking operation moving drugs from Mexico to Georgia, resulting in the arrests of a dozen individuals involved in converting and distributing thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in jalapeño shipments. The case, part of Operation Take Back America, highlights a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent drug networks.
“This Operation Take Back America case demonstrates the type of major law enforcement efforts aimed at breaking dangerous cartels and armed drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “These arrests make our communities safer.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown noted, “This investigation shows the power of collaboration in disrupting a significant meth operation and arresting the individuals responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities.”
DEA Atlanta Special Agent Robert J. Murphy emphasized, “Methamphetamine destroys families, fuels violent crime, and erodes community safety. By taking down this network, we’re removing both drugs and the source of addiction and violence.”
According to court documents, the investigation began in January 2024 when the FBI learned that James Len Ramey, 53, of Comer, Georgia, was selling kilogram amounts of methamphetamine from Rapid Lube in Athens. Surveillance and confidential informants revealed a conversion lab at a Monroe residence, where meth shipments from Mexico were being processed. FBI and local law enforcement observed multiple drug transactions, seizing more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine in one instance and discovering over 1,500 kilograms converted inside the Mountain Creek House between February and August 2024.
Other key defendants, many of whom have pleaded guilty, include:
- Kendell Cawthon, 60, Baldwin, GA – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Bonterris Turner, 45, Athens, GA – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Demetrius Appling, 38, Crawford, GA – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Yirla Adame Gomez, 25, Mexico – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Rafael Gomez Flores, 22, Mexico – conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine
- Andrea Robinson, 42, Cleveland, GA – possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Several other co-conspirators have already been sentenced to significant federal prison terms, including Christopher Hyatt, Uriel Garcia, and Jared Kenyatta Calhoun, for their roles in the meth trafficking network.
The investigation revealed the cartel shipped meth concealed in boxes of jalapeños. DEA officials estimate that over 3,200 kilograms of methamphetamine arrived at the Mountain Creek House during the operation.
“This case underscores the power of collaboration between federal, state, and local partners to dismantle large-scale drug trafficking operations that threaten our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks and Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters echoed the importance of interagency cooperation in removing these dangerous drugs from circulation.
The investigation involved the FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA, GBI, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Athens-Clarke County Police, and Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing for the remaining defendants is scheduled for January and February 2026, with some facing mandatory minimums of ten years and potential life imprisonment.
