Seven Indicted in Georgia Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Prison Inmate and Mexican Cartels
VALDOSTA, Georgia – U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes announced that seven people have been indicted in connection with a large-scale fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking network allegedly operated by a Georgia prison inmate with ties to Mexican drug cartels.
According to federal authorities, the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 35 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 3.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and about $145,000 in cash. Investigators also uncovered two clandestine drug labs during the operation.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation.
Federal prosecutors allege the drug trafficking conspiracy was directed by 40-year-old Luis Alfonso Ramirez, also known as “Poncho” and “OG Ponch,” who was incarcerated at Washington State Prison.
Investigators identified Ramirez as an alleged member of the Norteños criminal street gang with ties to Mexican cartels.
Authorities said the conspiracy allegedly operated from at least October 2024 through May 2026 and involved trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout multiple Georgia counties, including Hall, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton, Douglas, and Spalding counties.
The following individuals were charged in the federal indictment:
- Luis Alfonso Ramirez, 40, currently incarcerated at Washington State Prison
- Jacquez Latron Franks, 41, of Gainesville
- Ramiro Villa Chaves, 39, of Union City
- Misael Benitez Bustos, 33, of Hampton
- Alejandro Renteria Blanco, 46, of Lilburn
- Bergin Zeylaya Flores, 26, of Brookhaven
- Monique Renee Burton, 32, of Gainesville
Federal authorities said Chaves, Bustos, Blanco, and Flores are in the United States illegally and had previously been deported or removed.
Court documents state that investigators began focusing on Ramirez in July 2025 after receiving information that he was allegedly trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine using contraband cellphones while incarcerated at Valdosta State Prison.
Officials also noted that Franks and Villa Chaves both had prior serious drug felony convictions at the time of the alleged offenses.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison.
Numerous agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation North Georgia Major Offenders Task Force, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Georgia State Patrol, and several sheriff’s offices and police departments across Georgia.
