Large scale meth trafficker sentenced in Athens federal court

The Athens courthouse, built in 1941, is located at the corner of Hancock Avenue and Lumpkin Street.

From the office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. – A large-scale methamphetamine trafficker was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison resulting from an investigation into fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in the Middle District of Georgia.

Victor Uriel Diego Estrada, 31, of Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Oct. 7 after he previously pleaded 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 Dec. 12, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Victor Estrada produced and distributed a massive amount of methamphetamine and deadly quantities of a potentially lethal fentanyl mixture,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Alongside 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 fight the drug cartels who have no regard for 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 activity in Walton County, Georgia, after developing information from a confidential source (CS) who had ties to a Mexico-based narcotics broker with access to sources of supply of cocaine and methamphetamine in north Georgia. Under surveillance, the CS purchased one kilogram of methamphetamine from Estrada on Nov. 8, 2023, at a location in Norcross, Georgia. Afterward, authorities observed Estrada visit three separate Walmart stores to purchase hard chest coolers, commonly used in clandestine methamphetamine laboratories during and after the acetone drying process. DEA searched Estrada’s Walton County home on Nov. 14, 2023. Agents found 21 individual packages of methamphetamine, vacuum-sealed bags, digital scales and other equipment commonly used in the process of converting liquid methamphetamine into a crystal or solid form. Additionally, agents located two cell phones in the residence. The packages held 21,087.5 grams of methamphetamine with a 99% purity.

A search warrant executed on Estrada’s cell phones revealed a conversation with a person named “SINSO” which discussed converting liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of distribution. Agents also found information about other methamphetamine conversation lab locations tied to Estrada and subsequently executed a search warrant at a home in Forest Park, Georgia. Agents found approximately 180 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and a quantity of liquid methamphetamine. Additionally, four kilograms of a cocaine and fentanyl mixture was found in a cooler completely buried underground by the backdoor of the residence. Agents located equipment commonly used in methamphetamine conversion laboratories, including propane burners, fuel, strainers and protective masks. A loaded 9mm handgun 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.