Veng Xiong, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Oklahoma 2023

A Tulsa man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a major methamphetamine trafficking operation in northern Oklahoma.

Veng Xiong, 32, was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a rifle and a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.

On July 30, a jury found Xiong guilty of the charges after a lengthy investigation that involved multiple agencies, including the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Osage Nation Tribal Police, FBI, Pawhuska Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

The investigation began in 2018 with a covert operation in which Osage County Sheriff’s Deputies set up a drug deal with an individual who agreed to sell 33 pounds of methamphetamine for $500,000. Xiong and three co-conspirators arrived at the designated location in rural Osage County on April 9, 2018, and were subsequently arrested along with the informant. Deputies found multiple firearms, including a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus .38 caliber special revolver, a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel, and a WASR-10, which is an AK-47 style 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, in the vehicles.

Xiong was also convicted on two previous occasions in Tulsa County District Court for trafficking in illegal drugs as well as convictions for possessing a firearm while in commission of a felony and for driving under the influence of alcohol.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Xiong to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Ryan M. Roberts prosecuted the case.

The sentencing marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking in northern Oklahoma. U.S. Attorney Trent Shores praised the work of the investigative team and prosecutors, stating, “Veng Xiong has a lengthy history of trafficking drugs in northern Oklahoma. He actively pursued a criminal lifestyle and now will face 20 years in a federal prison for dealing meth in our communities.”

The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of methamphetamine trafficking on communities and the importance of continued efforts to combat this crime.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/methamphetamine-dealer-sentenced-20-years-prison-0