United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ATLANTA – An illegal alien from Mexico, a convicted felon, and an Austell man appeared in federal court to answer criminal complaints charging them with narcotics offenses following operations across metro Atlanta that resulted in the seizure of more than 280 pounds of methamphetamine, over four pounds of fentanyl, and two illegally possessed firearms. 

“Due to quick actions and diligent work of law enforcement across the region, the operations of these three alleged drug traffickers have been dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office stands committed to prosecute—to the fullest extent of the law—illegal aliens, felons, and others who poison and endanger our communities.” 

“Drug traffickers continue to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs, which pose a significant threat to public safety,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These federal charges reflect our unwavering commitment to protect the public and disrupt the criminal organizations responsible for this deadly trade. We will continue working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to stop fentanyl and other dangerous drugs at every level of distribution.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the criminal complaints, and other information presented in court: 

On July 21, 2026, DEA agents arrested Silvano Mendoza-Valencia in Morrow, Georgia, after he allegedly sold approximately two pounds of methamphetamine to a drug customer. Following his arrest, agents searched his residence and located approximately 85 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl in his bedroom. The investigation further revealed that Mendoza-Valencia is allegedly an illegal alien from Mexico.

On July 22, 2026, DEA agents stopped Christian Garcia-Esparza in Austell, Georgia, after he allegedly sold more than six pounds of methamphetamine to a drug customer. Agents searched Garcia-Esparza’s car and located an additional ten pounds of methamphetamine on the floorboard and in a gift bag. Thereafter, agents searched his residence and located approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine scattered throughout the residence and backyard. 

That same day, DEA agents searched Robert Louis Burr’s College Park, Georgia apartment and found Burr next to a kitchen drawer containing two pounds of fentanyl. In the living room, agents allegedly found approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine in a luggage case, 20 pounds of methamphetamine in a trash bag, and two firearms, including a FN57 semiautomatic pistol loaded with armor-piercing ammunition. Burr was previously convicted of multiple felony drug trafficking and weapons offenses and thus was not legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

Earlier this week, Silvano Mendoza-Valencia, 40, of Mexico, and Robert Louis Burr, 45, of College Park, Georgia, appeared in federal court on separate criminal complaints charging them with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Today, Christian Garcia-Esparza, 20, of Austell, Georgia, will appear in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with the same offenses. All three defendants are presently detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. 

Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaints contain only charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

These cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Alpharetta Police Department, Cobb County Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Heard County Sheriff’s Office, Hiram Police Department, Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Narcotics Unit, Marietta Police Department, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Roswell Police Department, Sandy Springs Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

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.