United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ATLANTA - Florencio Magana-Sarabia, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for his role in manufacturing and trafficking more than 770 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in an Ellenwood, Georgia house. Three co-conspirators, who are also illegal aliens, were previously sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the scheme.

“This sentencing is the result of a coordinated effort by dedicated law enforcement professionals committed to disrupting drug trafficking and protecting the public,” said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “No single agency can tackle these threats alone, and this case underscores the importance of working together to dismantle criminal operations and bring those responsible to justice.”                                                                                                                

“Demonstrating utter contempt for our laws, this illegal alien and his accomplices amassed and distributed a staggering amount of deadly methamphetamine in a residential neighborhood,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The quick action of our state and federal partners dismantled this drug trafficking operation and saved countless lives.” 

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 20, 2023, federal law enforcement was investigating drug activity at a residence in Ellenwood, Georgia. Agents saw several men loading boxes into a Toyota Tacoma and coordinated with the Georgia State Patrol to conduct a traffic stop when the Tacoma left the residence. During the stop, agents seized 134 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from the driver and passenger, Luis Santiago Urrutia-Mata and Jose Luis Avalos-Menera. Agents determined that the Ellenwood residence was rented by illegal alien Florencio Magana-Sarabia, and a subsequent search uncovered a large, clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory that contained 260 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine and 100 gallons of still-liquid methamphetamine. Agents also seized three firearms from the residence. During the search, agents apprehended a third illegal alien, Erik Santana-Sanchez, as he fled from the conversion laboratory. DEA subsequently determined that he assisted in the manufacturing of methamphetamine at the house. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones sentenced Florencio Magana-Sarabia, 44, of Michoacán, Mexico, to 16 years, 3 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Magana-Sarabia pled guilty on July 28, 2026, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The following defendants were previously sentenced in this case:

• Jose Avalos-Menera, 40, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced to 108 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  
• Luis Urrutia-Mata, 26, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced to 78 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  
• Erik Santana-Sanchez, 39, of Guerrero, Mexico, was sentenced to 78 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol.

Assistant United States Attorney Johnny Baer prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.