FBI and DEA agents have seized over 97 kilograms of fentanyl in Atlanta – enough to kill 48 million people – in what officials are calling the largest fentanyl bust in Georgia’s history.
At a Glance
- The FBI and DEA executed search warrants at three locations in Georgia, seizing drugs valued at over $9 million including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine
- Authorities arrested Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, 47, who faces at least 40 years to life in prison if convicted
- The operation resulted in the seizure of 33 firearms, 252 kilograms of drugs, pill press machinery, and cash
- The seized fentanyl alone (97 kilograms) could have killed nearly 48 million people
- The bust is part of “Operation Take Back America,” aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and cartels
Historic Drug Seizure in Georgia
Federal agents have executed what officials are calling the largest fentanyl seizure in Georgia’s history. The operation targeted three locations across Atlanta, South Fulton, and Douglas County, resulting in the arrest of 47-year-old Bartholomew Keeton Harralson. During the coordinated raids, authorities seized over 252 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at more than $9 million, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The operation also netted 33 firearms, cash, and pill press machinery used in drug manufacturing operations.
The DEA reported that the 97 kilograms of fentanyl seized during the operation could potentially kill approximately 48 million people, highlighting the deadly nature of the synthetic opioid. Harralson now faces serious charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he could face at least 40 years to life in prison.
Federal Leadership Addresses Major Operation
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the coordinated efforts of the FBI and DEA in dismantling what appears to be a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The successful execution of search warrants revealed not only vast quantities of narcotics but also evidence of an organized operation, including pill press machines, hydraulic presses, binding agents, firearms, and ammunition. At Harralson’s residence, agents even discovered a book on avoiding federal charges, suggesting the suspect was well aware of his criminal activities.
Paul Brown, associated with the operation, emphasized the dire statistics driving these enforcement actions, noting that “Right now, we have an American dying every seven minutes from drug overdoses, and homicides occur twice each hour.” Brown added that the FBI’s new director has given a clear mandate to “crush violent crime,” with this operation representing significant progress toward that goal in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Operation Take Back America
The Atlanta seizure is part of a broader initiative called “Operation Take Back America,” aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations trafficking deadly drugs into American communities. This operation aligns with other federal efforts like Operation SpecTor, which has targeted darknet drug trafficking across international borders. Such operations have resulted in hundreds of arrests and the seizure of firearms, drugs, and millions in currency across multiple countries.
Federal investigations and prosecutions related to these drug trafficking networks are ongoing in more than 30 federal districts across the United States. The joint efforts of agencies including the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and others demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis that continues to devastate communities nationwide.
