A Battle Creek man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing and intending to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The sentencing was announced by Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
Nazzarie Acoy Carmouche-Heath, 29, was found with over one kilogram of fentanyl at his residence during a search in March 2025. Law enforcement officers also discovered two firearms, thousands of dollars in cash, and equipment believed to be used for manufacturing counterfeit pills in the basement. Among the items seized were scales, trays, packaging materials, a blender, Tupperware sifters, a pill press, and cutting agents. Officers recovered 4,714 blue pills designed to resemble Oxycodone (M/30), but which actually contained fentanyl.
Carmouche-Heath admitted during an interview that he possessed the fentanyl and intended to sell it. He previously pleaded guilty on August 21, 2025—National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day—to possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey stated: “Prosecuting fentanyl dealers is always a priority for my office because this drug is particularly deadly. It is easy for casual drug users to overdose on this drug, especially when it is disguised as some other controlled substance like it was here. The DEA and the Battle Creek Police Department saved a lot of lives when they seized Carmouche-Heath’s drug stash.”
Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon commented: “This sentencing underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the deadly threat of fentanyl. We will be relentless in our pursuit of those who peddle this and other illicit poisons. With every resource and law enforcement partner, the DEA will continue to protect and save American lives.”
Counterfeit pills are described as fake medications that may contain no active ingredient or dangerous substances such as lethal amounts of fentanyl while appearing identical to legitimate prescription drugs. This makes them particularly hazardous since users might not know what they are taking.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan McGraw prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and reducing violent crime through coordinated efforts involving programs like Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
For further details about counterfeit pills and their dangers see information provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration Fact Sheet or visit www.dea.gov/onepill.
