Police dismantle a drug trafficking ring linked to Detroit, seizing drugs, guns, and making nine arrests in a coordinated operation.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A series of raids across Louisville led to the seizure of more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine and enough fentanyl to kill an estimated 1,200 people, according to federal authorities.
In addition to the drugs, investigators recovered at least 12 firearms, about half of which were reported stolen. Authorities said one of the guns had been used in a homicide.
Police searched 10 locations in Louisville last weekend and arrested nine people. Two federal indictments charge the suspects with drug trafficking-related crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Those arrested include:
Reginald Forsythe, 46, of Louisville
Damon Lewis, 50, of Louisville
Timothy McAtee, 46, of Louisville
James Henderson, 70, of Louisville
Crystal Adams, 54, of Louisville
Isaiah Washington, 43, of Louisville
Chelsea Brown, 42, of Louisville
James Leffler, 38, of Louisville
Aiyisha Daniels, 43, of Detroit
“Our investigators identified and dismantled a drug trafficking organization that has been flooding our streets with dangerous drugs, fueling violence in our city and putting lives at risk,” said Jim Scott of the Louisville Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration during a news conference Thursday.
Authorities said the investigation uncovered a drug ring that allegedly transported drugs from Detroit to Louisville and was also involved in money laundering.
Officers also seized more than $350,000 in cash.
Forsythe, Lewis, McAtee, Henderson, Adams and Daniels were charged in one indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of meth, 40 or more grams of fentanyl and 500 or more grams of cocaine. Forsythe faces an additional charge of money laundering.
“I assure you, we are investigating the violent element of this town,” U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner said. “We know who you are and we are coming for you.”
According to authorities, the alleged drug conspiracy and money laundering activity occurred between Sept. 3, 2024, and Jan. 7, 2026.
Washington, Brown and Leffler were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of meth.
“This case shows what coordinated enforcement can accomplish,” said Col. Steve Healey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. “While this was a federally led investigation, it directly aligns with the work our deputies do every day to stop fentanyl and other dangerous drugs before they harm our community.”
The bust was coordinated by a Homeland Security task force made up of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
All suspects have made their initial appearances in federal court. If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive up to life in prison. Federal sentences do not allow for parole.
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