Drug Trafficking investigation at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport leads to arrests

A multi-agency investigation into alleged drug trafficking led to the arrests of 14 metro Atlanta residents, including a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent, who is charged with taking bribes to smuggle guns and drug money through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, federal authorities said Thursday.

The month-long investigation — sparked by a tip from a confidential informant — led to the seizure of more than $2.8 million in ecstasy pills from a Chamblee house. It is the sixth-largest in U.S. history, officials said.

Those arrested included five individuals from Southeast Atlanta, DeKalb County, Snellville and Stone Mountain, U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said in news conference Thursday.

Devon Samuels, the customs officer, was charged with conspiracy to launder drug money, bulk cash smuggling and attempting to bring weapons on airplanes.

Samuels, 45, of Stockbridge, and known as "Smokey," was a key target of the investigation dubbed "Operation Rude Beast."

He also is charged with conspiracy to commit marraige fraud and making false statements on immigration documents.

The indictments of the 14 charged were unsealed Thursday.

The task force included agents from the DeKalb County Police, the Internal Revenue Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customes Enforcement.