A former Rhode Island man has been convicted on multiple drug charges involving an attempt to smuggle a massive haul of methamphetamine and fentanyl from the U.S. to Canada. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, 67-year-old John Michael Sherwood was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to commit international money laundering.
The case unfolded as Sherwood's ill-fated endeavor left a trail of evidence along the beaches of Washington State. In April 2021, beachgoers near Port Angeles stumbled upon duffel bags containing over 50 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl. Another discovery soon followed with a deflated raft and more duffel bags containing 342 pounds of methamphetamine stashed under a bridge. The drugs had an estimated wholesale value of about $1.5 million in Canada, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Evidence presented at the Seattle trial indicated Sherwood brought the drugs from southern California and had planned to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca using a jet ski and an inflatable raft. However, the smuggling attempts were unsuccessful. Surveillance footage, rental records, and phone communication linked Sherwood to the purchases and the planning of the operation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office noted that the case was cracked with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, and the Border Patrol Air and Marine Unit. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and local agencies like the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET), contributed to the extensive investigation. Sherwood's sentencing is set for October 29, 2024, Judge James L. Robart announced at the close of the six-day trial.
