ATLANTA — A dozen defendants involved in a massive methamphetamine distribution operation that smuggled drugs from Mexico hidden in boxes of jalapeños have pleaded guilty to federal charges, U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes announced.

The organization operated a conversion laboratory in Monroe and distributed more than 3,200 kilograms of methamphetamine throughout Georgia in 2024, according to court documents.

Federal agents discovered the operation after receiving information in January 2024 that James Len Ramey, 53, of Comer, was selling kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Rapid Lube in Athens, where he worked.

The FBI investigation led agents to a residence on Mountain Creek Church Road in Monroe, where occupants were operating an active methamphetamine conversion lab. A

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