Cartel meth supplier sentenced in Georgia drug ring

MACON, Ga. - A Georgia man linked to a Mexican cartel was sentenced to 260 months in prison Thursday for his role as a major supplier in a massive methamphetamine and heroin ring.

Cartel pipeline shutdown in Georgia

What we know:

Noe Canela, 37, of Lilburn, pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. 

Federal officials identified him as the primary source of supply for a drug trafficking organization led by Jarvis Havior in Milledgeville. 

During the investigation, authorities seized 67 pounds of meth, a kilogram of heroin, and a "ghost gun" from a residence in Stone Mountain where Canela was found cleaning the house following an associate's arrest. 

A subsequent search of Canela’s home in Lilburn uncovered a methamphetamine laboratory in the basement and multiple pounds of marijuana.

What we don't know:

While 20 defendants have been sentenced, officials have not named the specific Mexican cartel providing the narcotics. 

Huge quantities of poison seized

By the numbers:

• 260: Months Noe Canela will serve in federal prison.
• 20: Total defendants convicted and sentenced in this specific trafficking ring.
• 47: Minimum kilograms of methamphetamine distributed by the group.
• 6,000: Grams of heroin linked to the pipeline.
• 17,069: Grams of meth supplied directly by Canela in six controlled purchases.

Law enforcement applauds sentencing

What they're saying:

"Noe Canela is being held accountable for trafficking large quantities of dangerous drugs from a Mexican cartel into Georgia. This case proves that justice will prevail, no matter how long it takes," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes.

"The GBI is committed to getting these drugs off the streets by bringing to justice all those that take part in the illegal drug trade, from the supplier down to the dealer," GBI Director Chris Hosey said.

Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee noted that Canela had previously evaded justice while maintaining his criminal enterprise, adding, "Baldwin County and Georgia are safer as a result."

Years of investigation lead to final sentence

The backstory:

The investigation began in June 2020 after agents received tips that Jarvis Havior was running a multi-kilogram meth operation in Milledgeville. Authorities eventually tracked the supply chain back to Canela and Nicholas Cuevas-Flores. While most defendants were sentenced in 2023 and 2024, Canela remained a fugitive for years. He was finally taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in August 2025.

What's next:

Canela will begin his 260-month sentence immediately. Because there is no parole in the federal system, he is expected to serve the vast majority of that time, followed by five years of supervised release.