3 Mexican Nationals Accused of Running Brookhaven Meth Lab

Authorities say the suspects operated the lab in a residential backyard, putting families at risk.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Three Mexican nationals have been accused of running a methamphetamine conversion laboratory in the backyard of a Brookhaven, Georgia home. Sergio Cortes-Nieto, Christian Martinez Larumbe Dominguez, and Jose Angel Cortes Raquel were arrested after a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raid on February 20, 2025. Authorities say they found around 100 pounds of liquid meth and an additional 50 liters of meth solution concealed in the backyard.

Why it matters

The discovery of this alleged meth lab in a residential area raises serious concerns about public safety and the impact of illegal drug manufacturing on local communities. It also highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the flow of drugs across the U.S. border.

The details

According to authorities, the three suspects were all in the country illegally. During the raid, agents found Cortes Raquel and Larumbe Dominguez allegedly operating the meth lab concealed under a tent in the backyard. Cortes Raquel reportedly tried to flee but was quickly apprehended. Cortes-Nieto was arrested earlier that day at a nearby storage facility, where he was also allegedly converting meth.

  • On February 20, 2025, DEA agents raided the Brookhaven home and discovered the alleged meth lab.
  • On August 8, 2024, DEA agents seized 2,370 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in boxes of celery at the Atlanta State Farmers Market in Forest Park, Georgia, in a separate incident involving Cortes Raquel.

The players

Sergio Cortes-Nieto

A 53-year-old Mexican national accused of converting methamphetamine at the Brookhaven home and arrested at a nearby storage facility.

Christian Martinez Larumbe Dominguez

A 31-year-old Mexican national accused of operating the meth lab concealed under a tent in the backyard of the Brookhaven home.

Jose Angel Cortes Raquel

A 39-year-old Mexican national accused of operating the meth lab in the Brookhaven backyard and also charged in a separate incident where agents seized 2,370 pounds of meth at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.

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What they’re saying

“This lab was operating in a backyard, in close proximity to families and children. That level of disregard for human life is unacceptable. Our priority remains protecting the public from the devastating impact of illegal drug manufacturing.”

— Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division

What’s next

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz will prosecute the cases against the three suspects.

The takeaway

The discovery of this alleged meth lab in a residential backyard underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and local communities to combat the growing threat of illegal drug manufacturing and distribution, which can have devastating impacts on public safety and quality of life.