Lorenzo Smith, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distribution, Louisiana 2026

A New Orleans man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing massive amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Lorenzo Smith, 20, was sentenced on May 12, 2026, by Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.

According to court documents, Smith and his co-conspirators sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms to persons they believed to be legitimate buyers over the course of five transactions between November 2024 and January 2025.

The conspiracy involved over 640 grams of fentanyl and over 1200 grams of methamphetamine, of which more than 800 grams was pure methamphetamine. In total, Smith and his co-conspirators sold 13 guns to the persons they believed to be legitimate buyers, including several AR-15 pistols and an AK-47-style rifle.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846; distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); and two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

Smith's sentence includes 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $500 mandatory special assessment fee.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/new-orleans-man-sentenced-10-years-prison-distributing-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine