Atlanta, GA
Nation’s 3rd-largest meth bust this year happens in Atlanta State Farmers Market, DEA says
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) just announced that the nation’s third-largest methamphetamine bust this year unfolded in a metro Atlanta farmers market.
The DEA said a drug seizure of this magnitude is unusual for metro Atlanta, and usually only happens at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Monday, the DEA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture sent a stern message to drug traffickers eyeing Georgia’s agriculture industry as a possible mechanism for illegal drug distribution.
“You will be prosecuted, and you will go to prison. We’re going to work every single day to make sure that that’s the case,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said.
DEA officials told Atlanta News First that they received a tip about a massive load of methamphetamine making its way across the U.S.-Mexico border heading to the Atlanta State Farmers Market in Forest Park, Clayton County.
The multi-agency task force traced the tip to a tractor trailer and discovered more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine packed in with celery produce, disguised in green bags to hide the contraband.
“This is the largest meth seizure we’ve ever had here in DEA Atlanta, and this is the third-largest seizure, total, DEA-wide of methamphetamine this year,” said Robert Murphy, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Division.
1 ton of meth, hidden in truckload of celery, seized from metro Atlanta farmers market, DEA says
Task force agents said it’s not the first time this has happened at the Atlanta State Farmers Market.
“It is the produce terminal for the southeastern United States, and if drugs are moving through there, there is a possibility for food contamination, and we know that, so it’s important that we keep our consumers safe,” Harper said.
Agents said they’ve arrested a suspect, identified as Jesus Martinez, for allegedly trafficking the drugs.
Many local vendors at the Atlanta State Farmers Market were too afraid to go on camera, but they told us off-camera that this is disappointing for small vendors who come here to work hard and make a living.
They said it’s hard enough to attract business as it is, and this doesn’t make it any easier.
Paying customers who we spoke to were outraged.
“Really! I have grandchildren and children, and at a farmers market? No dear!” the customer said.
The DEA said this is proof the cartels have a well-established foothold in Georgia. They’re working to identify which cartel is responsible.
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
Atlanta, GA
Man arrested for knocking kids off bicycles
A man was arrested at a concert last week after he shoved two kids off their bicycles, causing one of them to fall into a fountain, Sandy Springs police said. FOX 5 Atlanta’s Brittany Edney reporting.
Atlanta, GA
Same DNA, new address: Muchacho expands to West Midtown
Photo by Luke Beard
When Muchacho first opened along the Atlanta Beltline and Memorial Drive, it became known as a place shaped as much by its surroundings as by its menu. That site, housed in a 100‑year‑old train depot, set the tone for how the brand approaches expansion: start with the bones of a building, then let the space tell the story. The newly opened Muchacho West Midtown follows that same philosophy.
“We like to celebrate unique attributes of each property and work with the palette we’re given,” says founder and owner Michael Lennox. While the original Muchacho is defined by its long, narrow footprint and Spanish tile roof—features reminiscent of its former life as a train depot—the West Midtown location leans into an industrial past rooted in automotive culture: a former Meineke car care shop. Big windows reference former garage doors, while retro racing details appear inside.
Photo by Luke Beard
Still, the connective tissue between the two locations is clear. Both spaces draw heavily from Muchacho’s Southern California skate‑and‑surf roots. At Muchacho West Midtown, familiar playfulness appears via a blue‑orange‑yellow racing stripe pattern, a three‑dimensional pegboard gallery wall used to hang art and plants, and vintage Meineke signage. A life‑size cardboard cutout of George Foreman, once the pitchman for Meineke, underscores Lennox’s willingness to lean into humor and nostalgia. “It’s a playful brand,” he says.
A functional halfpipe for skateboarding anchors the outdoor experience and will double as a performance space for bands and DJs. In about a month, a 4,000‑square‑foot “tropical secret garden” with tall bamboo lining the perimeter will open on the south side of the property. Another 1,500 square feet of patio space wraps the west and north sides, currently welcoming about 80 guests. Altogether, the West Midtown location will accommodate about 215 guests, making it comparable in size to the original, with a little more outdoor space.
Photo by Luke Beard
Muchacho West Midtown opened with the same core menu that made the Beltline location a staple: tacos, breakfast burritos, coffee, cocktails, and beer. Standouts like migas, chilaquiles, carne asada, and al pastor continue to be available. Over time, however, Lennox says each location is expected to develop its own personality, driven by the chefs who have “a pretty wide creative latitude.” Chef Betty Aparicio, formerly of Chido & Padre’s, steers the kitchen on the Westside.
“We want to nurture some immediate familiarity while providing space for some special moments you can only have at each location,” Lennox says.
Photo by Luke Beard
One of these special moments will take place April 4 at a grand opening party dubbed MuchachoFest. Expect bands, a fortune teller, a mini skate park in parking lot, food and drink specials, and giveaways. “It’s going to be a fun day in West Midtown,” Lennox says.
A third Muchacho location will debut in the old Revival space in Decatur this summer. In addition, the Electric Hospitality team is bringing Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall to the Westside. Slated to launch in May on 11th Street, the convivial restaurant and bar will feature a 5,000-square-foot courtyard with an airstream bar, stage, and Crepe Myrtles, and a 45-seat island bar inside. Formerly a single-story warehouse from 1950s or ’60s, Ladybird West Midtown will offer the same food and beverages as its Eastside sibling with room for the chef and mixologist to add their unique touches.
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Atlanta, GA
Buckhead apartment building evacuated due to dangerous carbon monoxide levels
ATLANTA – A Buckhead apartment building was evacuated for a time late Tuesday night due to a carbon monoxide alarm.
What we know:
The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Pharr Court South.
According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, firefighters are investigating elevated carbon monoxide levels.
The entire building was evacuated as a precaution.
One person was evaluated at the scene for possible carbon monoxide exposure.
Crews ventilated the building while they looked for the source.
Firefighters say they were able to finally locate the source and contain it.
Once readings were back to a safe level, residents were allowed back inside the apartments.
What we don’t know:
It remains unclear how many residents were displaced by the evacuation.
The Source: The details in this article come from the Atlanta Fire Rescue.
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