DETROIT — Joseph Twilley, 65, of Detroit, was sentenced today to more than 13 years in federal prison for leading a large drug trafficking operation that distributed significant quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. The announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Twilley operated his drug network during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when the surge in drug prices due to supply shortages provided an opportunity to profit, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.
Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the collaborative efforts of federal law enforcement agencies in holding drug traffickers accountable, stating, “We must not only stop the trafficking of drugs, but we must also remove the financial incentive to take down an organization like Twilley’s.”
During the investigation, agents from the DEA and FBI seized 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a vehicle that had been shipped from California. A subsequent search of Twilley’s residence revealed large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, multiple firearms, and bulk cash.
Additionally, IRS Criminal Investigations (IRS CI) officials uncovered that Twilley laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars through various business accounts. IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller highlighted the importance of financial disruption in tackling drug trafficking networks, stating, “We follow the money to dismantle major drug organizations.”
This sentence is part of a broader effort to disrupt and dismantle illegal drug networks, making communities safer by removing dangerous drugs and the financial infrastructure supporting their distribution.