Springfield, Mo. — A Springfield man has been convicted today for his involvement in drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms.
According to the Department of Justice, Darrell L. Smith, 34, has been found guilty of conspiring to distribute a fentanyl analogue known as valeryl fentanyl.
He was also convicted on charges of possessing this fentanyl analogue with the intent to distribute and having firearms connected to his drug-trafficking activities.
Eugene C. Saunders, 50, another Springfield resident and co-defendant, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy. On August 1, 2023, Saunders was sentenced to three years in federal prison without the chance for parole.
The Department of Justice’s press release detailed that on August 19, 2019, law enforcement officials discovered Smith and Saunders were selling heroin, which was later identified as valeryl fentanyl, from Smith’s Springfield residence.
A search warrant was executed at the property, leading to the discovery of a large plastic bag containing the drugs.
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In addition to the drugs, officers also found body armor and seven loaded firearms, including several pistols and shotguns.