Two mechanics are facing federal charges after officials discovered thousands of pounds of drugs in a Georgia auto shop meth bust. Investigators claim the men used their DeKalb County repair business to move methamphetamine across state lines.
Daniel Santana-Lopez of Guanajuato, Mexico, and Jared Thompson of Snellville, Georgia, were arrested after a joint investigation by federal and local agencies. According to law enforcement, both men participated in a drug operation that trafficked large amounts of meth.
Authorities coordinated traffic stops targeting the suspects shortly after they left the shop. When officers stopped Santana-Lopez, they allegedly found 1,000 kilograms of meth — around 2,200 pounds — in his vehicle. Soon after, law enforcement stopped Thompson and reportedly found 140 kilograms, or 310 pounds, of methamphetamine in his car, along with a firearm.
In total, the Georgia auto shop meth bust led to the seizure of about 2,500 pounds of meth. Officials also discovered 37 pounds of heroin and 2 pounds of cocaine connected to the operation. Prosecutors allege the suspects received vehicle shipments from California packed with drugs, which they then distributed from their Georgia-based shop.
The Justice Department announced multiple charges. Santana-Lopez, a Mexican national, had previously been deported from the United States twice. He now faces charges including illegal reentry. Thompson faces drug charges and an additional charge for possessing a firearm during a drug crime.
Both men remain in custody without bond. Their arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation. Agencies involved included the DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and the DeKalb County Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg commended the team effort behind the arrests. He stated that the suspects attempted to disguise their trafficking network through a local business. The Georgia auto shop meth bust serves as a warning about the growing trend of using small businesses to hide major drug operations.
For more updates, visit DC Brief.
