Sinaloa cartel member sentenced to more than 15 years in Georgia drug case

MACON, Ga. (WTOC) - A Sinaloa cartel member has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Georgia.

Jose Guadalupe Favela, 68, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine. Investigators say he played a key role in moving large amounts of drugs into the state through a cartel-linked network.

According to federal authorities, Favela helped facilitate deals involving methamphetamine and cocaine and maintained connections tied to a broader cartel operation. Officials say recorded conversations revealed discussions about transporting large quantities of drugs and coordinating activity within Georgia.

The case was part of a joint investigation led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks connected to international cartels.

Several co-conspirators have also been convicted and sentenced in connection to the operation.

Officials say the case highlights ongoing efforts to target cartel activity and reduce the flow of illegal drugs into local communities.