ATLANTA — Two metro Atlanta defendants who used sham companies to traffic cocaine into the Atlanta area are facing federal prison time.

Federal prosecutors say 37-year-old Carlos Salazar-Garcia of Atlanta created bogus businesses that were used to disguise cocaine shipments from Mexico. He attempted to smuggle nearly 200 pounds of cocaine into the United States and has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Authorities intercepted 119 pounds of cocaine hidden in a shipment of electronic transformers headed to Clayton County. Another 66 pounds were discovered hidden in a truck carrying limes.

FBI’s Brian Ozden says investigators have encountered drugs concealed in shipments of fruits and vegetables.

Ozden also described a separate discovery involving thousands of pounds of methamphetamine hidden in produce boxes to be smuggled into Georgia.

“We’re always excited when we’re able to take this volume and seeing them hidden in vegetation like this is pretty unique,” Ozden said.

DEA Atlanta Special Agent Jae Chung says traffickers have used similar methods to move drugs.

“Cartel members transport drugs in large loads of vegetables and fruits, and in other commodities,” Chung said.

Andrea Principe of Stone Mountain faces sentencing in October for money laundering.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Salazar-Garcia and Principe laundered more than $1 million in drug proceeds to Mexico.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons and Veronica Waters contributed to this story.