A major blow has been dealt to a drug trafficking network funneling methamphetamine and fentanyl from North Carolina into Southwest Virginia, as two key figures, Eric Lee Coffey and Daniel Hafemeister, were sentenced to a combined total of nearly 10 years in federal prison last week. The sentencing marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.
Eric Lee Coffey, 49, of Lexington, North Carolina, will serve 70 months, while Daniel Hafemeister, 42, of Roanoke, Virginia, was sentenced to 46 months. The pair were integral members of a conspiracy that saw large quantities of dangerous narcotics flood the streets of Wise County.
READ: U.S. Targets “El Chapo’s” Sons, ‘Los Chapitos’ Faction With Sanctions For Fentanyl Trafficking
According to court documents, Coffey, a major distributor for the operation, and Hafemeister, conspired with at least five other individuals. The group pooled thousands of dollars to fund at least eight trips to North Carolina, returning with “bricks” of methamphetamine, each weighing at least a pound, and significant amounts of fentanyl, ranging from two ounces to a full pound per trip.
Coffey entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Hafemeister pleaded guilty to a slate of charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and distribution of methamphetamine.
READ: Gun Rights Group Escalates Fight Against Illinois “Assault Weapon” Ban To Federal Appeals Court
The sentencing of Coffey and Hafemeister is the latest in a series of successful prosecutions targeting the drug ring. Earlier this year, several of their co-conspirators also received hefty prison sentences for their roles in the illicit enterprise.
James Gamble was sentenced to 151 months, Bradley Chester to 84 months, Thomas Houston Jr. to 72 months, and Cody Rose to 49 months.
Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced the sentences.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the ATF, the Southwest Drug Task Force, and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. The successful prosecution underscores the commitment of federal and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten communities in both Virginia and North Carolina.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
