Authorities have secured a conviction against a St. Paul resident following the interception of over 50,000 fentanyl pills destined for him. After a three-day trial, a federal jury in U.S. District Court found Kurtis Lavonte Gordon-Greenwood, 30, guilty on several charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation, which led to this conviction, originated in 2022 when law enforcement intercepted a UPS package addressed to Gordon-Greenwood. This package, sent from Arizona, contained approximately 50,000 fentanyl pills, weighing over five kilograms. During a subsequent search of his apartment, officers discovered a shipping receipt for a FedEx package sent to Phoenix. This package contained three cell phones, a Taurus 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, and $8,240 in cash, which authorities in Phoenix intercepted.
The case underscores the lethal combination of firearms and narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement highlights that Gordon-Greenwood’s removal from the streets is a critical step toward saving lives by reducing the availability of these dangerous substances. The operation also revealed the various methods used to traffic drugs into Minnesota, including air, vehicle, and mail routes.
Two additional St. Paul residents, Joshua Lanard Howse, 33, and Cornelius David Pierce, 34, have pleaded guilty to their participation in the conspiracy.
The Bottom Line
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against narcotic distribution networks and the associated dangers for communities. The successful conviction of Gordon-Greenwood illustrates the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts and highlights the importance of vigilance in intercepting illegal substances before they reach the public.
For local communities, the disruption of such drug rings can lead to safer neighborhoods and a reduction in drug-related crimes. It also emphasizes the need for continued public awareness and cooperation with authorities to identify and report suspicious activities. Ensuring public safety requires a collective effort from both law enforcement and the community.