Mark A. Totten United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
Michael Warren Smith, Jr., a 38-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, has been sentenced to 327 months in federal prison. The sentence follows his guilty plea in October 2024 for possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.
The investigation into Smith's activities led authorities to search two properties associated with him on October 11, 2023. At his Elmwood Street residence in Kalamazoo, investigators found Smith carrying over 185 grams of fentanyl. Inside his bedroom, they discovered 388.5 grams of high-purity methamphetamine along with other drug trafficking evidence. A further search at his West Main Street apartment uncovered approximately five pounds of pure methamphetamine, over 500 grams of fentanyl, more than 470 grams of cocaine, and five loaded firearms.
Mike Ferguson from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “We are pleased with this sentence,” he stated. “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.”
Andrew Lawton from the DEA Detroit Field Division emphasized the ongoing efforts against drug distribution: “Mr. Smith’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that the DEA will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs accountable,” he said.
James Deir from ATF’s Detroit Division issued a stern warning to others involved in similar activities: “Michael Smith, Jr. sold poison in our community while armed with five illegal firearms," he remarked.
The case was investigated by several agencies including 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).
