GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Drug cartels are increasingly turning to the U.S. mail system to smuggle narcotics into Michigan, according to federal and local law enforcement. A recent arrest in Grand Rapids highlights how traffickers are breaking up shipments to avoid detection.
Cordairo Lambert, 38, was arrested in July after picking up one of two suspicious packages sent from Arizona to two separate addresses located just seven blocks apart in Grand Rapids.
Unbeknownst to Lambert, both Grand Rapids police and U.S. Postal Inspectors had him under active surveillance. When officers moved in, they seized both parcels, which were filled with dryer sheets, school supplies, candy—and nearly three pounds of cocaine.
The dryer sheets were allegedly used to mask the scent of the drugs, a common tactic employed by drug cartels to bypass detection by K-9 units and mail inspection systems.
According to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, his office has tracked at least six drug shipments exceeding a kilogram since last year, pointing to a growing trend in mail-based narcotics distribution.
DEA Agent Derek Ress confirmed that cartels are adapting by breaking up larger shipments into dozens or even hundreds of smaller packages to fly under the radar.
“The packaging through the postal services seems to be the big one at the moment,” Ress said. “These guys excel at subterfuge. Could be your next-door neighbor—you’ll never know.”
As the crackdown on opioids continues, the demand for cocaine is rising sharply, with prices climbing from $15,000 to $16,000 per kilogram last year to $20,000–$30,000 today. This financial incentive is fueling more creative and widespread smuggling efforts.
Lambert now faces significant charges related to possession and intent to distribute controlled substances. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
