SMYRNA, Georgia — Federal authorities have arrested two illegal aliens from Mexico following their arrests on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez appeared in federal court on June 4. Garcia Gomez and a third illegal alien from Mexico, Filemon Hernandez-Jijon, were also charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
According to federal authorities, DEA agents allegedly saw Filemon Hernandez-Jijon supply two kilograms of methamphetamine to someone in the Smyrna area on June 3. Law enforcement later observed Hernandez-Jijon traveling to and from a mobile home in Marietta.
Hours later, DEA agents executed a federal search warrant at the mobile home. There, they encountered Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez, and a third person fled the scene.
Inside the mobile home, agents discovered an active laboratory used to convert liquid methamphetamine into a crystal-like form and at least 13 kilograms of what appeared to be the finished drug product. In addition, agents located two handguns, including one hidden in the tank of a toilet and money remitter receipts bearing Garcia Gomez’s and Hernandez-Jijon’s names.
Outside, agents recovered acetone, several empty coolers, and other materials commonly used to produce crystalized methamphetamine.
In connection with this investigation, agents executed another federal search warrant at an apartment in Smyrna. In a baby’s crib, agents located a bag containing a loaded Glock pistol, two additional loaded firearm magazines, and identification for Perez-Maldonado. Elsewhere in the apartment, agents found a Springfield XD firearm and a mechanical press used to press powder into kilogram bricks.
The investigation further revealed that Perez-Maldonado and Hernandez-Jijon had been previously deported and removed from the United States.
Hernandez-Jijon is currently a fugitive. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hernandez-Jijon is asked to contact local law enforcement.
