Federal agents seized more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine from an Austell man's home and vehicle on Wednesday, July 22, with Cobb County Police and the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Narcotics Unit helping execute the bust.

Christian Garcia-Esparza, 20, appeared in federal court Friday, July 24, after DEA agents arrested him Wednesday. He faces a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, according to U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg.

The bust began when Garcia-Esparza allegedly sold more than six pounds of meth to a buyer, Hertzberg said. Agents then searched his car and found 10 additional pounds on the floorboard and inside a gift bag.

A search of his Austell home turned up approximately 100 pounds of meth scattered throughout the residence and backyard, according to the Department of Justice. The DOJ statement's description of drugs found across the property suggests a large-scale distribution operation.

Garcia-Esparza's case was one of three arrests in a broader federal narcotics operation. The other two suspects — a convicted felon from College Park and a man from Morrow — face the same charges. Between all three cases, law enforcement seized more than 280 pounds of meth, more than four pounds of fentanyl, and two illegally possessed firearms, according to the DOJ.

The arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide federal initiative targeting cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

"Due to quick actions and diligent work of law enforcement across the region, the operations of these three alleged drug traffickers have been dismantled," Hertzberg said. "My office stands committed to prosecute — to the fullest extent of the law — illegal aliens, felons, and others who poison and endanger our communities."

The criminal complaint does not specify Garcia-Esparza's immigration status.

The Cobb County Police Department, the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Narcotics Unit, and the Marietta Police Department each assisted DEA agents during the operation, Hertzberg said. Jae Chung, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, led the investigation.

All three suspects are in custody with the U.S. Marshals. No next court date has been announced.

Residents with information about drug activity in Cobb County can contact the Cobb County Police Department's non-emergency line at 770-499-3911.