Three suspects, including a man from metro Atlanta, pleaded guilty Thursday to methamphetamine trafficking, authorities said.
The trio were caught in August 2018 with more than four pounds of meth that was hidden inside a Michelob Ultra beer box, according to a news release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Jose E. Ordez Avalos, 39, of Ellenwood, obtained the meth in Atlanta, and the three suspects were shipping it to Macon for distribution, the release said. The other suspects are Alex Raymond, 43, of Warner Robins, and Albruce Green, 40, of Macon.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was investigating the operation when Avalos received the meth and handed it off to Raymond for delivery to Macon, the release said.
On Aug. 19, 2018, a Butts County deputy stopped Raymond’s vehicle for following too closely and weaving, the release said. During the traffic stop, a K9 became fixated on the beer box, which was near the passenger-side door.
Inside, deputies found 1990.8 grams (4.4 pounds) of pure “ice” meth. It was on its way to Green, who was in charge of distribution, the release said.
Avalos and Green pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute meth, the release said.
Avalos faces up to life in prison and a $10 million fine, while Green faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Raymond pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Their sentencing hearings have not been scheduled. Mug shots of the suspects were not immediately available.
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