Saginaw, MI – A Saginaw man was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after authorities uncovered a major cache of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, in a coordinated bust earlier this year.
Lengthy Prison Sentence for Drug Trafficking
32-year-old Devante Thomas received a 180-month (15-year) federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Ludington in federal court.
Court documents revealed that Michigan State Police initially stopped Thomas’s vehicle on I-75 in Birch Run last January, where officers discovered more than four kilograms of methamphetamine.
Expanded Investigation Yields Additional Drugs and Firearms
Following the traffic stop, a joint operation by the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led to the search of Thomas’s residence. During the raid, authorities seized:
- 579 grams of methamphetamine
- 27 grams of fentanyl
- 108 grams of cocaine
- Four firearms
These findings underscored the scale of Thomas’s drug trafficking activities, prompting federal charges in addition to the state-level stop.
Guilty Plea Leads to Federal Conviction
Thomas ultimately pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, acknowledging the seriousness of his offenses. His plea and subsequent sentencing reflect the federal court’s commitment to addressing high-level drug trafficking in the Saginaw area.
“The conviction and sentence in this case demonstrate the collaborative efforts of state and federal agencies in combating illegal drug distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon Jr..
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement officials emphasize that the bust prevented a substantial amount of narcotics from reaching the streets of Saginaw and surrounding areas. Officials also noted that the presence of multiple controlled substances and firearms significantly increased the potential for community harm.
The operation illustrates ongoing cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities, including Michigan State Police, the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and ATF agents, to intercept large-scale drug operations before they endanger public safety.
Next Steps and Public Safety Message
Authorities urge community members to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, reinforcing the message that drug trafficking will be met with rigorous investigation and prosecution.
Federal and local agencies continue to monitor and address narcotics distribution, aiming to keep communities like Saginaw safer for residents while dismantling organized drug networks.
What do you think about this case? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
