Kalamazoo Man Sentenced to Over 27 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Meth and Fentanyl
GRAND RAPIDS – Michael Warren Smith, Jr., 38, of Kalamazoo, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine. Smith previously pleaded guilty in October 2024 pursuant to a plea agreement with the government.
According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, investigators searched Smith’s house on Elmwood Street and his apartment on West Main Street, both in Kalamazoo. When investigators searched the house on Elmwood Street, Smith was present and had over 185 grams of fentanyl in his pants. Inside Smith’s bedroom, investigators found 388.5 grams of 99 percent pure methamphetamine, and other evidence of drug trafficking. In Smith’s apartment on West Main Street, investigators found approximately five pounds of 99 percent pure methamphetamine, over 500 grams of fentanyl, over 470 grams of cocaine, and five loaded firearms. Smith admitted that he possessed these drugs and intended to sell them.
“Mr. Smith’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that the DEA will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Detroit Field Division Andrew Lawton. “Methamphetamine has devastating effects on communities, and fentanyl is responsible for the loss of tens of thousands of lives. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who profit from this illegal and dangerous trade.”
“We are pleased with this sentence,” said Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team Captain Mike Ferguson. “Mr. Smith possessed a large amount of drugs and guns. Drugs and guns that would’ve hit the streets of Kalamazoo if not for the hard work of KVET and our federal partners.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET), and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) investigated this case.
