Previously Deported Mexican National Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking in Atlanta

Authorities say the amount of fentanyl found in the suspect's apartment could have caused "catastrophic harm".

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Abelardo Avila Gomez, a 46-year-old Mexican national who had been previously deported from the United States, is facing federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal re-entry after authorities found 37 pounds of the deadly drug in his Brookhaven, Georgia apartment.

Why it matters

The seizure of such a large quantity of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in the Atlanta metro area and the dangers posed by previously deported individuals illegally re-entering the country.

The details

According to prosecutors, DEA agents executed a federal search warrant at Avila Gomez's Brookhaven apartment on February 19 and found 15 "bricks" of fentanyl weighing around 37 pounds. Avila Gomez was arrested in the apartment complex's parking lot and authorities confirmed he was living in the searched residence. Prosecutors say Avila Gomez had been deported to Mexico in November 2014 but illegally re-entered the U.S. in 2023.

  • On February 19, 2026, DEA agents executed a federal search warrant at Avila Gomez's apartment.
  • In November 2014, Avila Gomez was reported to Mexico.
  • In 2023, Avila Gomez illegally re-entered the United States.

The players

Abelardo Avila Gomez

A 46-year-old Mexican national who had been previously deported from the United States and is now facing federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal re-entry.

Jae W. Chung

Special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division.

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What they’re saying

“With the seizure of 17.9 kilograms of fentanyl, our agents have removed an extraordinary amount of deadly poison from the streets. Fentanyl is measured in milligrams, not grams, and this quantity had the potential to cause catastrophic harm.”

— Jae W. Chung, Special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division

What’s next

Avila Gomez is scheduled to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge on Monday concerning the charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in the Atlanta metro area and the dangers posed by previously deported individuals illegally re-entering the country to engage in drug trafficking, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies to combat the flow of deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl.