Atlanta man convicted for leading nationwide drug ring hiding fentanyl in guitar amps

A federal jury convicted an Atlanta man for operating a sophisticated nationwide drug trafficking ring that concealed fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin inside guitar amplifiers and under vehicles transported by tow trucks, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

Prosecutors said the 49-year-old leader, Roderick Battle, ran the network from at least January 2021 through December 2024, using a stolen FedEx account linked to a sports memorabilia company to ship narcotics across the country, Atlanta News First reported.

In May 2023, Pennsylvania State Police intercepted a package containing six kilograms of cocaine sent from Battle's southeast Atlanta home. Four days later, federal and state agents raided his residence, seizing large quantities of packaged drugs, $76,000 in cash, and two firearms found under his bed, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

While detained awaiting trial, Battle continued to facilitate drug distribution using a contraband cellphone, prosecutors said. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 2, Atlanta News First added.