Ramone Shirley, Heroin Distribution, Georgia 2018

Atlanta Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

A notorious Atlanta heroin trafficker has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in distributing the deadly drug in the city.

Ramone Shirley, aka ‘Big Play Ray,’ was convicted of possession with the intent to distribute nearly 200 grams of heroin, along with two loaded firearms, in 2018.

According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. ‘BJay’ Pak, Shirley’s conviction is a prime example of the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the region.

‘Repeat offenders like Shirley pose a serious threat to public safety,’ Pak said. ‘Their continual return to criminal activity represents a lack of fear of consequences for their actions. Citizens deserve safety and a drug-free community.’

The investigation into Shirley’s activities began in 2016, when agents discovered that he was distributing three kilograms of cocaine to another dealer inside his Atlanta shop. The cocaine was seized during a traffic stop by the Georgia State Patrol.

As a result of his conviction, Shirley forfeited his boat, a truck, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, and cash. His sentencing is a major blow to the city’s heroin trade, and a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies working together to combat the opioid crisis.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Hartigan, and was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Atlanta-Carolinas HIDTA, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

For further information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.gov

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

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