Agency officials say that this seizure is the largest in the division’s history, with more than 2,000 pounds recovered.Â
The bust was part of a multi-agency effort that stopped millions worth of meth from making it to US city streets. Federal officials say the drugs were hidden within a shipment of produce that was being dropped off at a farmers’ market in Forest Park.
“This is the largest meth seizure at DEA Atlanta and third-largest total meth seizure DEA wide,” said DEA Special Agent In Charge Robert Murphy.
Officials say that literally a ton of meth, which was meant to be sold across the Southeast, is no longer a threat to communities after Thursday’s massive drug bust.
“We received information about a tractor trailer that was coming across the Mexican border,” said Murphy.
“This was contained in a cover load of celery…It was hiding in the celery. Obviously, we threw away the celery. That didn’t make it to the store,” said Murphy.
A Mexican national, Jesus Martinez Martinez, was arrested.
The drugs are valued at $3 million wholesale, but Murphy says they would go for much more on the street.
“Most of these kind of seizures happen on a border or port of entry, and we’re several states away from a border,” said Murphy.
“This cartel was very confident in what they been doing to send this much at one time,” Murphy added.
