Twelve men have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking scheme that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana across Tennessee and other states. Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee announced the sentences, noting the operation spanned from California to Tennessee.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the investigation began in 2022 and involved multiple federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the DEA. The probe focused on large shipments of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills, marked “M30,” and other drugs being sent to Tennessee and 16 other states from California. Social media and surveillance helped identify Matthew Cox as the person behind the shipments.
Law enforcement uncovered evidence of drug transactions through social media and phone communications. In one instance, Quortez Duncan asked Cox for stronger pills, hoping that a more potent product would increase addiction and profits, as revealed by the Department of Justice.
Authorities also intercepted drug shipments destined for Tennessee. On July 25, 2022, agents seized over two kilograms of fentanyl-laced pills and more than eight pounds of methamphetamine from a package at a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California. Later, two more parcels containing similar drugs were intercepted before reaching Nashville.
"Stopping the trafficking of deadly fentanyl is a major priority of the Department of Justice," said Acting U.S. Attorney McGuire in the U.S. Attorney's Office release. The investigation led to search warrants executed in California and Tennessee, recovering weapons, cash, luxury vehicles, marijuana, and more fentanyl-laced pills. The sentences ranged from probation to 15 years in prison.
