Seven people, including two from Gainesville, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking network directed by a state inmate with ties to Mexican cartels. Authorities say the network operated in several Georgia counties, including Hall, Cobb, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Fulton, Douglas, and Spalding.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized about 35 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine and 3.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl with a street value of $225,000 plus $145,000 in cash. The investigation led to the discovery of two clandestine drug labs.
Those who were indicted are:
Luis Alfonso Ramirez, aka “Poncho,” aka “OG Ponch,” 40, an inmate at Washington State Prison, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Jacquez Latron Franks, 41, Gainesville, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Ramiro Villa Chaves, aka “Ramiro Villa Chavez,” 39, Union City, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Misael Benitez Bustos, 33, Hampton is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Alejandro Renteria Blanco, 46, Lilburn, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Bergin Zeylaya Flores, 26, Brookhaven, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Monique Renee Burton, 32, Gainesville, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances and faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Chavez, Bustos, Blanco, and Flores are in the U.S. illegally and have previously been deported or removed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning as early as October 2024 and continuing until this month, the defendants allegedly conspired to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Last July, the HSI Violent Gang Unit and the GBI Metro Gang Task Force began an HSTF investigation into the alleged criminal actions of Ramirez, who was suspected of trafficking large amounts of fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine using contraband cellphones, including when he was housed at Valdosta State Prison.
Ramirez is an alleged member of the Norteños criminal street gang with ties to Mexican drug cartels.
The GBI Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office were among several state and local law enforcement offices participating in the investigation.