Massive Fentanyl Seizure in Sandy Springs Leads to Federal Charges

Antwuan Brown, 39, of Alpharetta, Ga., made an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker on a Criminal Complaint, charging him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.  Brown allegedly possessed for distribution approximately 240,000 fentanyl pills and 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, making this the largest seizure of fentanyl in the district’s history.

“Our federal and local law enforcement partners undoubtedly saved countless lives through their diligent investigation and seizure of this immense quantity of deadly fentanyl,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively target alleged fentanyl dealers who seek to poison our communities for profit.”

“DEA will continue to combat the fentanyl crisis by holding the most dangerous and prolific drug traffickers accountable,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Locking away criminal drug dealers who choose to push poison on our streets will save lives as fentanyl is the number one killer among Americans aged 18-45.”

A representative from the Sandy Springs Police Department said, “The Sandy Springs Police Department is committed to reducing the impact of illegal drugs in our city, especially fentanyl. We work closely with our federal law enforcement partners, such as the DEA/HIDTA to strengthen our efforts. We appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta for their support and for prosecuting this case.”

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: On March 21, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, federal investigators of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, and Sandy Springs, Georgia, Police Department officers, executed search warrants of an apartment and a vehicle located in Sandy Springs.  Investigators found a pill press containing fentanyl powder and two firearms inside the apartment.

Law enforcement officers then encountered Brown who had the key to the vehicle of interest in his pocket.  Officers located the vehicle in the apartment complex’s parking deck, opened it with Brown’s key, and discovered approximately 240,000 fentanyl pills, 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, cocaine, and methamphetamine.  Brown was arrested at the scene.

Members of the public are reminded that the Criminal Complaint only contains charges.  The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone is prosecuting 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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.