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23,000 pills confiscated, Marietta man jailed in failed international drug trafficking scheme

Police said the investigation began when the pills, including opioids, were found being shipped from Germany to Marietta.

MARIETTA, Ga. — A 40-year-old man has been arrested following a multi-agency investigation into the trafficking of more than 23,000 prescription pills and synthetic opioids.

According to Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy, the investigation began several weeks ago when large quantities of pills were shipped from Germany to Marietta.

McPhilamy said that evidence indicated that there was a plan to repackage the pills for smaller sales in the United States.

On Friday, Don Juan Johnson of Marietta was arrested with thousands of pills of Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, and Soma, an addictive muscle relaxant, in his possession.

Credit: Marietta Police Department
More than 23,000 pills, including synthetic opioids, were confiscated from 40-year-old Don Johnson of Marietta on May 31, 2019.

According to McPhilamy, after search warrants were secured for Johnson's vehicle and home, a total of 23,190 pills were confiscated by investigators, including Tramadol, Soma, Alprazolam -- which is the generic name for the prescription medication Xanax -- and Diazepam.

Johnson has been charged with four felony counts of possession of a Schedule III, IV or V controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and one count of use of communication facilities in committing a felony. 

Credit: Cobb County Sheriff's Office
Marietta Police, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations, the US Postal Inspectors and agents from Customs and Border Protection arrested 40-year-old Don Johnson on multiple drug trafficking charges on May 31, 2019.

"Residents can rest assured that a prolific opioid drug trafficker has been removed from our community," McPhilamy said in a release. 

Marietta Police, working together with agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the US Postal Inspectors and agents from Customs and Border Protection are involved in the investigation which is ongoing.

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