Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
A Canadian man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that smuggled and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and BZP into the United States. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., who emphasized the importance of secure borders in protecting Americans from transnational criminals.
Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit field office, praised the collaborative efforts that led to this sentencing. "This sentencing brings Sychantha’s cross border criminal enterprise to a fitting end," he stated.
Khaophone Sychantha, aged 43, was convicted after a six-day trial in Detroit before Chief United States District Judge Sean F. Cox. He faced charges including conspiring to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, ecstasy, and BZP.
The court heard evidence that Sychantha directed an organization using couriers to transport hundreds of thousands of pills across the U.S.-Canada border over eight years. Many couriers were caught and convicted during this period. David Sok, identified as Sychantha's right-hand man, was extradited from Canada and pleaded guilty earlier.
Before his extradition to the United States, HSI Detroit had placed Sychantha on its Ten Most Wanted List due to his involvement in the drug trade.
At sentencing, Judge Cox highlighted Sychantha’s prior Canadian convictions and his leadership role in the conspiracy. Following his 240-month imprisonment term, Sychantha will serve a five-year supervised release period before being deported back to Canada.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit Division, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Dorval Norwood and T. Patrick Martin.
