Mobile, Alabama – Two men from Grand Bay have been sentenced to decades in federal prison after investigators uncovered a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving high-purity methamphetamine and loaded firearms, according to federal court records.
Federal authorities said Demetrius Dwayne Powell, 33, received a 20-year prison sentence, while Diricka Tyrese McCants, 41, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms in furtherance of drug crimes.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The case dates back to July 30, 2024, when narcotics agents traveled to a property in Grand Bay, Alabama, to arrest Powell on a pending robbery warrant. As agents arrived at the location, they encountered both Powell and McCants exiting a shed on the property.
Court documents state that McCants, who was already on federal supervised release for a prior felony drug trafficking conviction, made a concerning remark to agents, saying, “Once y’all go in there, I’m gone.” The statement raised immediate suspicions and prompted a search of the shed.
Drugs, Firearms, and Evidence Seized
Inside the shed, agents uncovered a significant cache of illegal drugs and weapons. Investigators seized nearly two pounds of 100 percent pure methamphetamine, along with smaller quantities of crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Authorities also found vacuum-sealed marijuana packages, digital scales, and drug packaging materials, all consistent with active drug distribution.
In addition to the narcotics, agents recovered three loaded firearms, further escalating the severity of the charges. Federal prosecutors emphasized that the firearms were possessed in furtherance of drug trafficking activities, a factor that significantly increased potential sentencing under federal law.
Recorded Jail Calls and Criminal History
Following their arrest, Powell and McCants were detained and placed in custody, where investigators monitored recorded jail phone calls between the two men. According to prosecutors, those calls revealed Powell urging McCants to take responsibility for the drugs, citing Powell’s own violent criminal history.
Powell’s prior convictions include a stabbing assault and felony domestic violence by strangulation, making him subject to enhanced penalties. During the calls, Powell also criticized McCants for ignoring earlier warnings that law enforcement had likely been surveilling the Grand Bay shed.
Cell Phone Evidence Strengthens the Case
Investigators later analyzed cell phones seized from both defendants, uncovering extensive digital evidence. Between January and July 2024, the phones contained text messages, photos, and videos documenting drug transactions and the illegal possession of firearms.
Prosecutors said the digital records provided clear proof of an ongoing drug trafficking conspiracy, leaving little doubt about the scope and duration of the criminal activity.
Federal Sentencing and Supervised Release
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer handed down the sentences, ordering Powell to serve 240 months and McCants 144 months in federal prison. Upon release, both men will be placed on 10 years of supervised release, during which they will be subject to mandatory drug testing and treatment.
The court did not impose fines but ordered the defendants to pay $300 in special assessments. All firearms seized during the investigation were forfeited to the United States.
Agencies Involved in the Operation
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama. The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, with substantial assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller.
Part of a Nationwide DOJ Initiative
Federal officials confirmed the case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks, targeting armed offenders, and reducing violent crime in communities across the country.
Authorities emphasized that cases involving high-purity narcotics and firearms remain a top enforcement priority due to the increased risk they pose to public safety.
If you have seen similar law enforcement activity in your community or have concerns about drug-related crime, share your experiences in the comments below.
