Georgia Authorities Execute Historic Fentanyl Bust

News Summary

Federal authorities in Georgia have arrested a convicted felon following the largest fentanyl bust in state history, seizing over 200 pounds of the drug. The operation also uncovered large quantities of pills laced with methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, alongside firearms and other paraphernalia. The investigation led to charges against Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, with estimates suggesting the drugs seized have a street value of approximately $9.2 million. As part of Operation Take Back America, authorities aim to dismantle extensive drug trafficking networks threatening communities.

Atlanta, Georgia – Federal authorities executed the largest fentanyl bust in Georgia history, recovering over 200 pounds of the potent drug that has the capacity to kill 48 million people, which is more than four times the state’s population. The raid involved searches at three locations within the state: homes located in Atlanta, South Fulton, and Douglasville. The operation not only resulted in the confiscation of fentanyl but also uncovered hundreds of thousands of pills laced with methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.

The investigation centered around Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, a 47-year-old convicted felon from Atlanta, who was arrested at his home in South Fulton. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury indicted Harralson on multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Furthermore, he faces charges for possessing firearms in conjunction with drug trafficking, as well as illegal possession of firearms given his felony status.

In addition to the drugs, authorities seized approximately 30 firearms in the operation, along with bullet-proof vests, silencers, and expensive jewelry. Notably, a diamond necklace linked to the fictional character Walter White from the TV series “Breaking Bad” was among the items confiscated during the search. Investigators noted that the drug operation had the capability to produce an alarming rate of 25,000 pills per hour, indicating a sophisticated and extensive trafficking network.

This large-scale operation was part of a national initiative titled Operation Take Back America, which focuses on dismantling drug cartels and criminal organizations across the country. Authorities estimate the total street value of the drugs seized in this operation to be around $9.2 million. The properties associated with Harralson were in proximity to an elementary school, raising further concerns about the dangers this operation posed to the community.

Harralson has a long-standing criminal history that includes serious offenses such as aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and various drug-related crimes across Florida and Georgia. Investigators have yet to determine any possible connections between Harralson and drug cartels, although authorities anticipate that additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the serious threat that Harralson’s operation posed to the community, stressing the connection between drug trafficking and associated violence. The ongoing investigation seeks to mitigate the impact of such operations on local communities while working to dismantle the broader network of drug trafficking in the region.

If convicted on the current charges, Harralson could face a minimum of 40 years in prison and possibly life without parole, marking a significant legal repercussion aimed at addressing the ongoing drug crisis plaguing many areas across the United States. As the investigation unfolds, the consequences of this large-scale operation continue to reverberate within the community and beyond.

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• Atlanta News First
• Wikipedia: Fentanyl
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: fentanyl drug bust Georgia
• WRBL News
• Google Scholar: Fentanyl trafficking
• WSB Radio
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fentanyl
• 11 Alive News
• Google News: lifetime prison fentanyl