Murfreesboro Meth Kingpins Sentenced to Decades in Prison

Methamphetamine trafficking has reached new heights as two Murfreesboro men, Steven Weaver, 51, and Jamie Woods, were sentenced for their roles in a massive international smuggling operation.

Weaver was handed a 140-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release for his conviction on conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as possession and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Woods, Weaver’s co-defendant, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.

According to the indictment, an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service revealed that multiple parcels were shipped from Murfreesboro to Australia and New Zealand containing methamphetamine. The parcels were often disguised as ‘Birthday Gift’ packages, with the methamphetamine concealed in cake mix boxes.

Law enforcement intercepted 12 of the parcels, containing over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, some bearing the defendants’ fingerprints. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger estimated that a total of 50 kilograms of methamphetamine was shipped, describing it as a ‘tremendous amount of incredibly pure methamphetamine.’

The investigation, which involved federal and local law enforcement agencies, revealed that two of the parcels were mailed from the mail room at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro. Surveillance footage captured the defendants buying copious amounts of cake mix boxes from Walmart, further incriminating them.

U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis praised the work of federal and local law enforcement agencies, stating that the prosecution and sentencing are a testament to their dedication to combating international methamphetamine trafficking. The case serves as a warning to those involved in the drug trade: law enforcement will continue to hold accountable those who distribute methamphetamine, both domestically and abroad.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud added that the sentencing illustrates HSI’s mission to investigate the movement of illegal narcotics through importation and exportation. The case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in disrupting and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.