Twelve individuals involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced last week for their roles in the distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in Tennessee and other states. This announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The investigation, which began around 2022, involved agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. They uncovered large shipments of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills marked “M30,” methamphetamine, and marijuana being transported from California to Tennessee and approximately 16 other states.
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Key suspect Matthew Cox was identified as the individual responsible for shipping these packages. Communications between the defendants revealed discussions about drug prices, shipments, and drug quality. In one conversation, Quortez Duncan expressed a desire for stronger pills to increase addiction among customers, with Cox attempting to fulfill this request. However, agents intercepted these shipments.
Khyre McClain was found attempting to launder money through a limited liability corporation. On July 25, 2022, agents seized a package from a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California, headed for Nashville, containing counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills weighing over two kilograms and over eight pounds of methamphetamine. Further interceptions on August 9, 2022, revealed additional packages destined for Nashville with significant quantities of drugs.
Following the accumulation of evidence, search warrants were executed in California and Tennessee, resulting in the recovery of firearms, cash, luxury vehicles, and counterfeit pills.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire emphasized the importance of stopping fentanyl trafficking, stating that these prosecutions reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to enforcing the law. Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office highlighted the cross-country conspiracy’s impact on Tennessee communities and the ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
The defendants faced convictions for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, with three also convicted of unlawful firearm possession following felony offenses. Sentences ranged from federal prison terms to probation, varying per individual involvement and charges.
This case was a collaborative effort among the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI Nashville Field Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safeeullah and Rachel Stephens led the prosecution.
For more information, visit the Department of Justice’s official announcement here.
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Attorneys General Push FDA on Counterfeit Drugs
A bipartisan group of 38 states and territories, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, is urging the FDA to tackle the issue of counterfeit weight loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Originating from countries like China and Turkey, these counterfeit drugs pose health risks due to potential contaminants. The coalition seeks FDA collaboration with federal and state agencies to protect the American supply chain and eliminate counterfeit drug distribution. The initiative is co-led by Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, and Illinois, with participation from many other states.