Georgia men plead guilty in China-linked fentanyl conspiracy

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Federal agents discovered over 175 metal pans used to soak paper in synthetic cannabinoids during a raid of a Cordele home on July 22, 2024. (U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia)

Two Georgia men face a maximum of life in prison for their roles in a massive drug trafficking network that funneled fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids from China into the state.

Prison-based drug ring dismantled

What we know:

Devito Duran Young, 46, an inmate at Macon State Prison, and Trace Davrin Works, 29, of Mableton, both pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges. Prosecutors said Young used a contraband cellphone to order fentanyl from suppliers in China while serving time behind bars. He then directed Works to distribute the pills and synthetic drugs to customers throughout Georgia. Law enforcement officials said the investigation resulted in the seizure of 2,610 fentanyl pills and over 5,500 grams of a new synthetic cannabinoid.

What we don't know:

While two suspects have pleaded guilty, two others named in the indictment, Xin Wang and Gao Yong of China, remain fugitives with active warrants for their arrest. It is not yet clear if or when these individuals will be extradited to the United States to face charges.

Xin Wang and Gao Yong (U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia)

Search reveals Cordele drug lab

Timeline:

Federal agents began tracking the shipments from China in 2023. On July 22, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Cordele used by a co-conspirator. Inside the home, agents found more than 175 metal pans containing sheets of paper soaked in synthetic cannabinoids. They also discovered shipping labels addressed to inmates at jail and prison facilities across the country. The defendants entered their guilty pleas before a U.S. District Judge on April 1.

What they're saying:

"From a Georgia prison, the defendants trafficked fentanyl from China, profiting from the suffering of others," U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes said. FBI Georgia Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs added that the defendants "profited from the opioid epidemic and endangered thousands of lives by trafficking fentanyl."

Federal agents discovered over 175 metal pans used to soak paper in synthetic cannabinoids during a raid of a Cordele home on July 22, 2024. (U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia)

Massive scale of drug operation

By the numbers:

• 2,610: The number of fentanyl pills the defendants are being held accountable for.
• 5,502: Grams of MDMB-4en-PINACA, a new synthetic cannabinoid, seized during the probe.
• $170,000: Amount of cryptocurrency seized and forfeited from a supplier in China.
• $8 million: The maximum fine each defendant faces in addition to potential life in prison.

What's next:

Young and Works are scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2026. Under the federal system, there is no parole. The cases against four other individuals named in the August 2025 unsealed indictment are still moving through the legal system, though the two suppliers in China remain at large.