Show-Me State Times

A Springfield, Missouri man has been sentenced to 32 and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Dontrell A. Powell, 36, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Powell pleaded guilty earlier this year.

The investigation began on January 17, 2024, when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper searched a vehicle on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City. Authorities discovered approximately 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 estimated street value of the seized drugs was about $1,850,000.

Federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration removed the fentanyl pills and replaced most of the methamphetamine with sham substances before conducting a controlled delivery of the vehicle to its destination.

On January 18, 2024, Dontrell Powell and his brother Dreshawn Powell arrived at the parking lot in Springfield to pick up the Dodge Magnum that had been shipped from California under an alias. After taking possession of the vehicle, agents followed them to Dontrell Powell’s residence where both brothers and two codefendants were arrested.

A search of Dontrell Powell’s home uncovered firearms including an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, Glock magazines (one drum-style loaded with 40 rounds), several types of ammunition, and approximately $140,000 in cash. Four additional large subwoofer boxes were also found at the residence along with another loaded Glock pistol located in Powell's Mercedes Benz.

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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon prosecuted this case following an investigation by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Parsons Police Department (Kansas), Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and Labette County Sheriff’s Department (Kansas).

The prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling major criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among federal agencies. More information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.