A Kalamazoo man, 46-year-old Keith Smith, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking after a grim discovery at his home. In 2022, a confidential informant purchased a pound of methamphetamine from Smith, leading to a search warrant at his residence. During the search, authorities found a woman dead from drug poisoning.
Alongside the body, investigators seized two kilograms of methamphetamine from Smith’s home, as well as fentanyl, cocaine, and a stolen pistol from his vehicle. Smith was indicted and released on bond but was later caught with 13 pounds of methamphetamine while continuing his drug activities.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey emphasized that Smith’s long sentence reflects his dangerous impact on the Kalamazoo community. Smith has a history of 10 felony convictions, including six for drug dealing, and had been under federal supervision during his latest offenses.
Captain Michael Ferguson of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team called Smith a “career criminal” and hopes the sentence sends a strong message to those involved in criminal activity in the area.
