Michael Warren Smith, Jr., a 38-year-old resident of Kalamazoo, has been sentenced to 327 months in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Birge. Smith was convicted for possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. He had pleaded guilty in October 2024.
The case against Smith began when investigators conducted searches on October 11, 2023, at his residence on Elmwood Street and his apartment on West Main Street in Kalamazoo. During the search at Elmwood Street, Smith was found with over 185 grams of fentanyl on his person. Investigators also discovered 388.5 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine and other drug trafficking evidence in his bedroom.
At Smith's West Main Street apartment, authorities seized approximately five pounds of high-purity methamphetamine, over 500 grams of fentanyl, more than 470 grams of cocaine, and five loaded firearms. Smith admitted that he intended to sell these drugs.
Mike Ferguson from the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “We are pleased with this sentence,” he said. “Mr. Smith possessed a large amount of drugs and guns.”
Andrew Lawton from the DEA Detroit Field Division emphasized the significance of the sentencing: “Mr. Smith’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that the DEA will relentlessly pursue those responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs accountable.”
James Deir from ATF’s Detroit Division highlighted the dangers posed by armed drug dealers: “Michael Smith, Jr. sold poison in our community while armed with five illegal firearms."
The investigation involved collaboration between 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).