ROME, Ga. – Darrlin Vernard Warner, 40, of Hiram, Georgia, is headed to federal prison for fifteen years after pleading guilty to trafficking deadly drugs and hoarding the profits. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge William M. Ray, II, comes after a raid uncovered a substantial stash of fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms, and over $177,000 in cash.
The bust, a collaborative effort between the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and local law enforcement in Paulding and Douglas counties, revealed Warner, also known as “Juice,” conspired with others to flood North Georgia with fentanyl and methamphetamine in October and November 2024. The November 13th raid on his home and vehicle yielded over two pounds of fentanyl and one pound of methamphetamine – enough to kill countless individuals. Five firearms were also seized, demonstrating Warner’s willingness to arm himself while peddling poison.
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are wreaking havoc on north Georgia, leading to addiction, crime, and loss of life,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of key collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, a significant drug trafficker is out of the community. His deadly drugs are off the street, his weapons have been seized, and his drug proceeds now belong to law enforcement.” The forfeited $177,119 will be reinvested into further law enforcement efforts.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, emphasized the danger posed by traffickers like Warner. “Drug traffickers like Warner fuel addiction and violence by pushing fentanyl and meth into our communities while stockpiling weapons and cash,” Brown said. “Thanks to the outstanding partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we have dismantled a dangerous operation and made northern Georgia safer.” The GBI Director, Chris Hosey, echoed this sentiment, stating the sentencing was a “significant victory” in protecting Georgia citizens from the devastation caused by drug trafficking.
Warner was convicted on June 5, 2025, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In addition to the fifteen-year prison sentence, Warner will face five years of supervised release following his incarceration. This case is part of the larger “Operation Take Back America,” a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding drug trafficking to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or the DEA’s Atlanta Division Office at (404) 893-7000. Online submissions are also accepted at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip. Parents and concerned citizens are encouraged to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs through resources available at www.justthinktwice.gov, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, www.operationprevention.com/, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov/onepill.
Related Federal Cases
- “Ziggy” Yancey Gets 19 Years for Meth & Stolen Gun · Alabama
- Meth & Magnum: Carver Gets 19 Years · Georgia
- Fla. Drug Dealer Leary Jailed for 105 Months in Georgia · Georgia
- Columbus Dealer Lokey Given 17.5 Years for Crack Distribution · Georgia
- Fitzgerald Drug Dealer Sentenced for High-Speed Chase in Stolen Cop Car · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
