The FBI announced 55 arrests in a coordinated operation targeting a Georgia-based drug trafficking ring, dubbed Operation Powder Island, that federal officials say was tied to an alleged China-based fentanyl supplier. Authorities executed 56 federal arrest warrants with help from multiple FBI field offices and took 54 suspects into custody during the raids; one suspect is scheduled to surrender and another is expected to be arrested upon returning from travel. Law enforcement recovered one firearm and said no search warrants were executed. FBI leadership credited stepped-up enforcement for removing a larger volume of deadly narcotics from U.S. streets and said efforts to curb fentanyl will continue.
FBI Arrests 55 In Georgia Drug Ring Tied To Alleged China-Based Fentanyl Supplier
FBI arrests 55 in massive drug ring with alleged China supplier flooding US streets with fentanyl
The FBI announced the arrest of 55 people Wednesday morning in a major takedown of a Georgia-based drug trafficking organization accused of distributing fentanyl and other deadly narcotics across the United States.
The FBI arrested 55 suspects in a sweeping takedown of an alleged Georgia-based drug trafficking ring.(iStock)
Operation Powder Island
Officials identified the network as part of "Operation Powder Island" and said it was linked to an alleged supplier in China. Investigators reported at least one suspect who allegedly communicated with an overseas supplier, underscoring the international reach of modern trafficking networks.
The takedown comes as the FBI ramps up efforts to stem the flow of fentanyl.
Coordinated Federal Action
FBI Atlanta, with assistance from the FBI offices in Jacksonville, Charlotte, Dallas and Buffalo, executed 56 federal arrest warrants connected to narcotics and firearms charges. Authorities said 54 suspects were taken into custody across multiple jurisdictions during the coordinated raids; one additional suspect is scheduled to surrender next week and another is expected to be arrested when they return from work-related travel.
FBI Director Kash Patel said there is a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking organizations, citing a more than 30% increase in deadly narcotics seized in 2025 under President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Law enforcement recovered one firearm during the operation. Officials also said no search warrants were executed as part of the arrests, and SWAT teams from FBI Atlanta and Jacksonville provided tactical support.
FBI Director Kash Patel credited the arrests to stepped-up enforcement, saying the bureau has removed a larger volume of deadly narcotics from U.S. streets. "Today’s arrest of 55 individuals is the latest in our work to crush the drug trafficking industry that preys on so many Americans," Patel said in a statement.
Officials described the action as part of ongoing efforts to stem the flow of fentanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid that has driven a nationwide overdose crisis — into communities across the country.
Investigations and prosecutions related to multi-jurisdictional trafficking networks typically continue as agencies analyze seized evidence and coordinate with federal prosecutors.
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