Largest Meth Bust Of 2025—Feds Seize 1,585 Pounds Of Cartel Drugs Hidden In Blackberries

ZMG Breaking News

Federal agents on Nov. 20, 2025 seized 1,585 pounds of meth hidden in blackberry pallets at a Fulton County cold‑storage warehouse, the largest single U.S. meth seizure this year. Investigators tie the methamphetamine seizure to a cartel strategy that exploits cold-chain logistics and a Georgia cold-storage warehouse to move narcotics on refrigerated trucks. Authorities valued the shipment at $22.5 million and said interception likely prevented tens of thousands of doses across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Surveillance of suspicious reefer trailers led agents to the site, where drugs were found before distribution. Two men, Gerardo Solorio-Alvarado, 44, and Nelson Enrique Sorto, 36, were federally charged; one driver was turned over to immigration authorities. No food contamination was reported; the investigation continues.

Transcript

00:00Largest meth bust of 2025, Feds seized 1,585 pounds of cartel drugs hidden in blackberries.

00:09Federal agents seized 1,585 pounds of methamphetamine on November 20, 2025,

00:15after uncovering the drugs hidden inside pallets of fresh blackberries at a cold storage warehouse

00:20in Fulton County, Georgia. Authorities called it the largest single meth seizure in the U.S. this

00:25year, with an estimated street value of $22.5 million. Officials said intercepting the shipment

00:32likely prevented tens of thousands of doses from reaching communities across metro Atlanta

00:37and north Georgia. Investigators say the shipment was part of a broader cartel strategy that hides

00:42narcotics in legitimate produce to exploit trusted cold chain logistics. Refrigerated trucks carrying

00:49berries, vegetables, and other perishables are seen as less likely to face intensive inspection.

00:54Similar cases have involved meth concealed in jalapenos, cucumbers, and celery, pointing

01:00to a systematic effort to move drugs under the cover of everyday food commerce.

01:05Federal agents began focusing on the Fulton County facility after tracking suspicious refrigerated

01:10trucks moving through metro Atlanta into north Georgia. Surveillance led them to the warehouse

01:15where the drugs were discovered before distribution. In response, agencies are increasing scrutiny of

01:21cold storage facilities, trucking hubs, and shipping documentation to identify patterns traffickers may

01:26exploit. Two men, Gerardo Solorio Alvarado, 44, and Nelson Enrique Sordo, 36, were charged federally in

01:35connection with the shipment. One driver was turned over to immigration authorities. Officials credited

01:40close coordination among federal, state, and local agencies, calling the operation a major blow to

01:46cartel finances. While the meth street value was pegged at $22.5 million, investigators say the broader

01:53financial impact could be higher due to lost wholesale and downstream sales. Authorities confirmed the drugs

02:00were wrapped separately from the blackberries and intercepted before reaching stores, with no food

02:06contamination reported. Still, grocery chains and distributors are reviewing supply chain controls, vendor

02:12screening and cargo inspections. Industry groups stress that produce remains safe, even as tighter checks may

02:19slow time-sensitive shipments. Officials say removing roughly 720 kilograms of meth reduces overdose risk,

02:26violence, and long-term health harm. Public health advocates agree seizures matter, but argue enforcement

02:33alone cannot replace treatment and prevention. Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing, with more cases

02:39expected in 2026, highlighting how modern supply chains can be exploited, and how enforcement, industry,

02:46and policy may need to adapt.

Category

Transcript

Comments

Recommended