During a joint operation with the DEA, FBI agents executed search warrants in Atlanta, leading to the arrest of Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, a 47-year-old accused of drug trafficking and firearm possession. The operation, which took place over three sites, resulted in the seizure of over 252 kilograms of drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, along with 33 firearms. The total value of the seized items was over $9 million, with fentanyl alone having the potential to kill nearly 50 million Americans.
FBI Director Kash Patel lauded the agents and DEA for their joint efforts, stressing the importance of targeting drug trafficking networks that contribute to the opioid crisis. The operation was part of a broader initiative known as Operation Take Back America, which aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations while also addressing illegal immigration. DEA Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung highlighted the significance of the fentanyl seizure, noting it was the largest in Georgia’s history and potentially lethal to millions.
Law enforcement discovered more than 56 kilograms of fentanyl and numerous other narcotics in Harralson’s Atlanta residence, along with $145,000 in cash and a book on avoiding legal charges. Additional searches at his residences in Douglasville uncovered pill press machines, binding agents, and other equipment used in large-scale drug manufacturing. The DEA and FBI emphasized the broader impact of their efforts, aiming to protect communities from the dangers of drug trafficking and the violence associated with it.
The arrest of Harralson was accompanied by charges that could result in a minimum of 40 years in prison or life imprisonment. The operation exemplifies the collaborative efforts of federal agencies in combating drug-related crimes and safeguarding public safety. The DEA and FBI continue their work as part of Operation Take Back America, addressing both the illegal drug trade and the broader threats posed by transnational criminal organizations.