KC Reporter

A Springfield, Missouri man has been sentenced to over 32 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Dontrell A. Powell, 36, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The investigation began on January 17, 2024, when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper searched a vehicle at a truck stop in Oklahoma City. Authorities discovered about 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl pills concealed inside a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of a Dodge Magnum. The drugs were valued at approximately $1.85 million.

After the initial seizure, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration removed the fentanyl pills and replaced most of the methamphetamine with imitation drugs before conducting a controlled delivery of the vehicle.

On January 18, 2024, Powell and his brother Dreshawn Powell arrived at the parking lot in a Mercedes Benz registered to Dontrell Powell. He signed for the Dodge Magnum—which had been shipped from California under a false name—and drove it away while agents monitored their movements. Law enforcement followed them to Dontrell Powell’s residence where both brothers and two codefendants were arrested.

During a search of Powell’s home, agents found multiple firearms including an Anderson Manufacturing semi-automatic pistol and high-capacity magazines, along with various types of ammunition and approximately $140,000 in cash. Four additional subwoofer boxes were located at the residence as well as another loaded Glock pistol found inside Powell's Mercedes.

Dreshawn Powell was previously sentenced on July 21, 2025 to more than 15 years in federal prison for aiding and abetting attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

"This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon," according to court documents. "It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Parsons, Kan., Police Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Labette County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department."

The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across multiple agencies nationwide.

More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.