COBB COUNTY, GA — Federal agents seized nearly 60 pounds of fentanyl from a backyard shed at a metro Atlanta residence allegedly belonging to a Mableton man now facing federal drug trafficking charges.

Federal prosecutors say agents discovered the fentanyl during searches of three residences belonging to Michael Antonio Cruz.

The drugs were found inside a shed behind an Austell residence, packaged into 26 individually wrapped bricks with stamped markings on each side.

During a search of another residence, agents discovered multiple scales and buckets containing a cutting agent commonly used with methamphetamine and cocaine.

Investigators also uncovered a concealed compartment behind a false vent that opened into a space inside a wall. Authorities recovered more than $70,000 in cash from the hiding place.

Federal prosecutors in Atlanta say the amount of fentanyl seized posed a critical threat to public health and safety.

Cruz is facing drug trafficking charges and remains in the custody of U.S. Marshals.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Bill Caiaccio contributed to this story.