Middle District of Georgia | Large-scale meth trafficker sentenced to 25 years in prison

ATHENS, Ga. – A large-scale methamphetamine trafficker has been sentenced to 25 years in prison as a result of an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Georgia’s Middle District.

Victor Uriel Diego Estrada, 31, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced on October 7 to 300 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on December 12, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Victor Estrada produced and distributed a massive quantity of methamphetamine and lethal amounts of a potentially deadly fentanyl mixture,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we remain focused on disrupting dangerous criminal activity and holding those offenders accountable to make our communities safer and stronger.”

“The investigation and subsequent conviction of this drug dealer demonstrates the DEA’s commitment to combating the drug cartels that disrespect the citizens of our community,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division .

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the DEA began investigating Estrada’s illegal drug activities in Walton County, Georgia, after developing information from a confidential source (CS) associated with a Mexico-based established narcotics broker with access to supply sources. of cocaine and methamphetamine in North Georgia. Under supervision, CS purchased one kilogram of methamphetamine from Estrada on November 8, 2023 at a location in Norcross, Georgia. Authorities then observed Estrada visiting three separate Walmart stores to purchase hard chest coolers, which are commonly used in clandestine methamphetamine labs during and after the acetone drying process. DEA searched Estrada’s home in Walton County on November 14, 2023. Agents found 21 individual packages of methamphetamine, vacuum-sealed bags, digital scales and other equipment commonly used in converting liquid methamphetamine into a crystalline or solid form. Officers also found two mobile phones in the home. The packages contained 21,087.5 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 99%.

A search warrant executed on Estrada’s cellphones revealed a conversation with an individual named “SINSO” discussing converting liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of distribution. Agents also found information about other methamphetamine drug lab locations connected to Estrada and subsequently executed a search warrant at a home in Forest Park, Georgia. Officers found approximately 180 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and a quantity of liquid methamphetamine. In addition, four kilograms of a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl were found in a cooler that was buried completely underground near the back door of the home. Officers found equipment commonly used in methamphetamine conversion laboratories, including propane burners, fuel, sieves and protective masks. A loaded 9mm pistol with a spare 9mm magazine was found in a bedroom.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the case for the government.