Thomas Blanks II Indicted in Cocaine Trafficking Ring

A Tuscaloosa man is facing federal prison after being indicted on multiple charges tied to a cocaine trafficking ring that exploited FedEx to move drugs across state lines. Thomas Blanks II, 39, was named in a four-count indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court, charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possessing over 500 grams of the drug, illegal firearm possession, and using an interstate delivery service to promote drug trafficking.

The indictment alleges Blanks orchestrated cocaine distribution in Tuscaloosa County from March through May of this year. On May 17, he is accused of distributing 500 grams or more of cocaine—crossing the federal threshold that carries a minimum five-year sentence. The next day, authorities say Blanks, a twice-convicted felon, was in possession of a .390-caliber pistol and 9mm ammunition, a violation of federal law that carries up to 10 years behind bars.

Perhaps most brazen: the charge that Blanks used FedEx—a corporation operating in interstate commerce—to push narcotics. The May 17 count accuses him of leveraging the shipping giant to facilitate illegal drug distribution, a felony that brings a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Federal investigators say this case reveals a dangerous trend of traffickers weaponizing commercial logistics networks.

Blanks’ criminal history runs deep. Records show he was convicted in March 2015 in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court for first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana. Earlier, in January 2009, he was convicted in federal court in the Northern District of Alabama for unlawful receipt of firearms—providing the basis for the current felon-in-possession charge.

Each drug count carries a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, along with a $5 million fine. The firearm charge maxes out at 10 years and $250,000. The interstate commerce count adds another five years and $250,000 in penalties. Today’s indictment supersedes an August filing that charged Blanks with similar drug and gun offenses.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting. An indictment contains only charges. Thomas Blanks II is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.