Azjuan Meriwether, a 25-year-old resident of Milwaukee, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his involvement in drug and firearm offenses, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Meriwether was identified as the leader of an armed drug trafficking organization, distributing substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and engaging in illegal firearms trafficking.
Court records revealed that Meriwether's organization was responsible for distributing 32 kilograms of fentanyl, 375 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, and other drugs. The organization also trafficked firearms, including machinegun-conversion devices and "ghost guns." As per his plea agreement, Meriwether admitted to illegally selling 18 firearms and six devices.
Meriwether was apprehended in Indiana following a high-speed chase. Law enforcement recovered significant quantities of para-fluorofentanyl combined with heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine from his vehicle.
Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling stated, "The conduct at issue in this case presented layer upon layer of danger to the community." He credited the sentence to the partnerships among federal and local agencies, emphasizing the role of the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA).
Christopher Amon from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) noted, "Meriwether’s possession and sale of fentanyl and Machine Gun Conversion Devices posed a dual threat to our communities." He highlighted the collaboration within law enforcement that linked firearms in Meriwether's possession to violent acts.
Also commenting on the investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Milwaukee District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge John G. McGarry expressed gratitude for the continued efforts to dismantle violent drug-trafficking organizations and enhance community safety.
Waukesha County Drug Task Force's Captain Tony Kasta emphasized the successful partnership between local and federal agencies in dismantling the criminal organization: "These law enforcement relationships are paramount to effectively maintaining safety in our communities."
The investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which targets high-level criminal organizations. Various agencies participated in the investigation and subsequent legal actions, including ATF, DEA, and local police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Halopka-Ivery and Patricia Daugherty.