Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Meth Distribution in NE Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. – A Mexican national who was residing in Atlanta was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for methamphetamine distribution in the Athens-Clarke County region.

Esteban Palacios Chamu, 30, of Atlanta and Mexico, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self, III on Oct. 3 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The defendant is not eligible for parole.

“The distribution of large quantities of the most addictive illegal drugs contributes to criminal activity that is undermining the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Local law enforcement is collaborating with our office and our partners at every level to identify and hold accountable those individuals and criminal groups participating in the distribution of this poison.”

“Those who distribute methamphetamine create a serious risk to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This trafficker can no longer deliver dangerous drugs on the streets and must now face the consequences of his actions.”

According to court documents, a Madison County Sheriff’s deputy pulled Chamu’s vehicle over for failing to maintain its lane on Dec. 10, 2021, in Colbert, Madison County, Georgia. The defendant, who was driving, did not have a driver’s license or identification card. Chamu gave his name and date of birth; the officers discovered Chamu had arrest warrants out of Doraville, Georgia. An officer smelled marijuana coming from Chamu’s car. Chamu was placed under arrest. Inside Chamu’s car, officers found a drug ledger, a plastic bag with a large chunk of methamphetamine, a large gallon-size bag with methamphetamine, a baggie with methamphetamine, a black bag with digital scales and several cell phones, plus more digital scales, a box of Ziplock bags and other drug distribution items in the glove box. Officers discovered additional methamphetamine wrapped in duct tape hidden inside one of the seats. In all, Chamu was in possession of 1,190.21 grams of methamphetamine.           

The case was investigated by the DEA, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Patrol, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case for the Government.