Chinese National Indicted in International Drug Trafficking Scheme Linked to Port of Savannah
SAVANNAH, Georgia – Federal prosecutors announced the indictment of a Chinese national accused of orchestrating a large-scale drug trafficking operation that allegedly used the Port of Savannah to import dangerous synthetic drugs into the United States.
According to Margaret E. Heap, 45-year-old Wei Gong, also known as “David Gong,” of Tianjin, China, was indicted in the Southern District of Georgia on charges including conspiracy to import controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, importation of controlled substances, and distribution of controlled substances.
Authorities said Gong is currently in custody in China after being arrested by Chinese officials in February 2026 on related criminal violations. U.S. officials provided investigative information to Chinese authorities that helped support the case.
Federal prosecutors allege Gong operated a Chinese chemical company involved in importing synthetic drugs into Georgia, including ethylone and N,N-dimethylpentylone, both Schedule I controlled substances classified as synthetic cathinones.
Investigators said Gong sold at least 10 kilograms of the drugs to an undercover agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration as well as to Conway Rhinehart of Hephzibah, who was sentenced in January 2024 to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution charges.
According to court documents, investigators believe Gong’s operation ran from 2020 until his arrest in 2026 and involved plans to import more than 1,000 kilograms of dangerous drugs through the Port of Savannah.
Authorities said Gong allegedly discussed methods to avoid customs inspections and shipment seizures while using other individuals to help move drugs from China into the United States.
Federal investigators also seized cryptocurrency connected to the operation and are seeking forfeiture through both criminal and civil court actions. Prosecutors allege Gong engaged in millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transactions tied to the trafficking scheme.
Officials said Gong also advertised other substances for sale, including fentanyl analogues.
“Wei Gong, through his ownership of a Chinese chemical company, imported more than 10 kilograms of dangerous drugs into the Southern District of Georgia and sought to bring in more than 1,000 kilograms through the Port of Savannah,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “He also advertised other drugs for sale, including deadly fentanyl analogues. We are thankful for the professionalism and hard work of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security’s Narcotics Control Bureau in developing their case and taking Gong into custody.”
“The DEA Asia Pacific Division remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupting the drug supply chain that crosses borders and endangers American communities,” said David L. King. “This coordinated action with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security reflects our shared resolve to hold traffickers accountable, seize their illicit proceeds, and dismantle networks that traffic fentanyl and other dangerous substances to the United States.”
“This arrest demonstrates the strength of international cooperation in disrupting global drug trafficking networks,” said Jae W. Chung. “Working alongside our law enforcement counterparts in China, we were able to identify and hold accountable an individual responsible for attempting to exploit the Port of Savannah to introduce dangerous drugs into the United States. This case sends a direct message that those who traffic in poison, no matter where they operate, will be pursued through strong global partnerships.”
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, and Senior Litigation Counsel J. Bishop Ravenel is prosecuting the criminal case on behalf of the United States.
