A 34-year-old man from Shelby Township, Martaze Davis, received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in trafficking methamphetamine and laundering the proceeds of drug sales. Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck made the announcement, joined by Andrew Lawton from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Cheyvoryea Gibson from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Charles E. Miller from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.
Davis led the Detroit gang 42 Hustle Boys, involved in a long-standing conflict with a rival gang, the Seven Mile Bloods. The investigation, which started in 2023, targeted Davis's leadership in a drug trafficking conspiracy. The group transported methamphetamine from California, which came from Mexico, across various states for distribution.
On October 24, 2023, Davis and his codefendant Alexander Polanco, conspired to load nearly 39 kilograms of methamphetamine into a rental car in Texas. The drugs were seized the next day by officers. Alongside trafficking, Davis laundered the drug proceeds using personal and business accounts.
“Our office vigorously pursues drug traffickers, including gang leaders and members, who push dangerous drugs like methamphetamine into our communities with indifference to the tragedy it inflicts. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker and money launderer has been removed from our streets," said Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck.
Andrew Lawton added that the sentencing demonstrated that the DEA is serious about targeting violent street gangs. He noted, "Today's sentence sends another clear message to drug trafficking organizations that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with consequences."
Cheyvoryea Gibson noted, “Today’s sentencing of Martaze Davis represents a significant victory in our ongoing fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in Detroit.” The emphasis was on collaboration between the involved agencies to ensure community safety.
Charles Miller highlighted the importance of targeting financial operations that support drug trafficking, stating, “The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs.”
The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which involves multiple agencies working collectively to combat significant drug traffickers and criminal organizations.
Martaze Davis was sentenced by the Honorable Sean F. Cox. The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigations, and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. AUSA Paul Kuebler led the prosecution.