Anthony Tusweet Smith, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2021

Aliquippa Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking

PITTSBURGH, PA - In a federal court, a resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to a total of 5 years of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release, in connection with his involvement in a drug trafficking organization from May 2021 to November 2021.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Anthony Tusweet Smith, Jr., age 24.

According to information presented to the court, Smith belonged to a multi-defendant conspiracy that dealt in large quantities of controlled substances. Within the conspiracy, Smith distributed fentanyl to end users in the vicinity of his residence in Aliquippa, PA. In conjunction with his federal arrest, law enforcement seized four firearms from that residence, to include a loaded semiautomatic rifle with an attached 30-round capacity magazine near packaged fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, Smith was responsible for the distribution and/or the possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stressed that mixing drugs and guns equates to death within the community.

The successful prosecution of Smith was the result of an extensive and collaborative investigation conducted by Federal, state, and local law enforcement operating under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program in Beaver County.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.

The defendant's involvement in the conspiracy led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing. This case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in illicit activities that endanger the community.

Smith's sentence includes 5 years of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release. This outcome demonstrates the determination of law enforcement agencies to combat and disrupt drug trafficking operations in the region.

It is essential to note that the investigation and prosecution of this case were conducted by a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing complex crimes.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/aliquippa-resident-sentenced-5-years-prison-involvement-drug-trafficking-organization