Tyrece Ramone Phillips, Acetyl Fentanyl and Fentanyl Sales, West Virginia 2019

Accused Fentanyl Dealer Caught in Charleston

A Detroit man has admitted to peddling deadly fentanyl on the streets of Charleston, West Virginia. Tyrece Ramone Phillips, also known as 'Ty,' pleaded guilty to distributing the highly addictive substance on the city's west side.

In a joint investigation, authorities from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, Charleston Police, Kanawha County Sheriff's Department, St. Albans Police Department, Nitro Police Department, and South Charleston Police Department worked together to take down the alleged dealer.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, on July 2, 2018, a confidential informant purchased acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl from Phillips near the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue in Charleston. This marked a significant milestone in the investigation, leading to Phillips' eventual guilty plea.

Phillips, a repeat offender, has a prior conviction for possessing OxyContin with intent to distribute in June 2012. This conviction enhanced his maximum possible sentence, which now stands at up to 30 years in prison.

Phillips is set to be sentenced on June 17, 2019, and faces significant prison time for his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution of the case.

U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart commended the efforts of the investigative teams and expressed his commitment to combating the opioid crisis in West Virginia. 'Another Detroit drug dealer has booked his room at the 'inn,'' he said in a statement.

The guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities across the country. As law enforcement continues to crack down on dealers, it's essential to address the root causes of addiction and provide vital support to those struggling with substance abuse.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/detroit-man-pleads-guilty-federal-drug-charges