MACON, Ga. — A leader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) pleaded guilty to trafficking 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States in federal court on Monday.
Albert Ross, also known as "Big," pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana this week, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia said.
Ross is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison. This is to be followed by five years of supervised release as well as a maximum $10 million fine for each count he faces, according to a release.
Ross admitted to being a leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing 2,000 kilograms of cocaine into the country from Mexico along with other illegal drugs, according to a release. It was also discovered that the organization distributed large amounts of cocaine into Georgia. The FBI-Athens Resident Agency to begin a long-term investigation focusing on Ross's cocaine distribution activities.
Investigators later discovered that his organization got the cocaine from a source in Mexico affiliated with the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación. Money to purchase the drug was then given to couriers in Atlanta, who would give it to Ross's supplier in Mexico, according to a release.
U.S. Attorney Peter Leary said Ross also admitted to ordering the murder of an associate who was tied to a drug shipment.
"Albert Ross directed enormous amounts of deadly drugs into Georgia from Mexico for many years -- harming our citizens and communities in exchange for a lavish lifestyle," Leary said.
The 53-year-old was arrested on Sept. 23, 2021, at his home in Stone Mountain. Law enforcement found more than $300,000 in cash wrapped in tinfoil and vacuum-sealed in trash bags inside his bedroom closet. In addition, inside an Atlanta area bar he owned, agents found more than $600,000 in drug proceeds.
Throughout the entire investigation, law enforcement found $3,164,210 in cash, 73 firearms, 165.22 kilos of cocaine, 1.32 kilogram of fentanyl, 11.25 ounces of heroin, 1.39 kilograms of crack cocaine, 12.57 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 25.35 pounds of marijuana and 198 dosage units of controlled pharmaceuticals, according to a release.
Ross has a previous felony drug conviction in Fulton County as well as numerous felony arrests for drug trafficking, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia said.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, which included the FBI Atlanta -- Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force. The effort was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.
