Zhang Jun, Fentanyl Trafficking, Georgia 2024

ATHENS, Ga. – A chilling tale of fentanyl trafficking has unfolded in Georgia, with two men facing a maximum of life in prison for their alleged roles in bringing the deadly synthetic opioid from China into the state.

According to a Department of Justice press release, 32-year-old Zhang Jun of Athens, Georgia, and 28-year-old Yang Liu of Buford, Georgia, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a new synthetic designer drug, identified as furanylfentanyl.

The indictment alleges that Zhang Jun, an inmate at the Lincoln County Jail in Lincolnton, Georgia, directed the operation from behind bars, using his cell phone to coordinate with Liu and others to facilitate the trafficking of fentanyl and furanylfentanyl from China.

Law enforcement officials say the investigation revealed that the duo was responsible for trafficking hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fentanyl and furanylfentanyl into Georgia, with a street value of over $1.5 million.

Zhang Jun and Liu were both arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and furanylfentanyl, as well as other related charges. If convicted, they face a maximum of life in prison.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, with assistance from the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

The case is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking, and the lengths to which individuals will go to profit from the sale of this synthetic opioid. As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials vow to remain vigilant in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle fentanyl trafficking operations nationwide.

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