Jury Convicts Detroit-Based Cocaine And Heroin Trafficker

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that a jury convicted Joseph Michael McNoriell, also known as Mike X, of Detroit, 43, of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroin and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The jury announced its verdict last Thursday after three days of trial. McNoriell is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2024.

"These illegal substances destroy lives and devastate communities," said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. "We will never prosecute our way out of this problem, but we will continue our work to dismantle the regional-level supply lines that distribute drugs across Michigan."

The evidence at trial showed that the McNoriell worked with other individuals to deliver two kilograms of cocaine from southeast Michigan to Lansing. On June 2, 2022, McNoriell used a female drug courier driving a different car and followed her in his car to deliver two kilograms of cocaine. McNoriell was unaware that investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and troopers with the Michigan State Police (MSP) anticipated the delivery and seized the two kilograms of cocaine from the courier's car. A photograph of the seized kilograms of cocaine is provided below:

"This investigation emphasizes the mission of the DEA: combatting criminal drug networks like the one Mr. Mcnoriell was involved in," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene. "Along with our local, state and federal partners, we will relentlessly pursue individuals and organizations who prioritize greed and profit over human lives."

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vito S. Solitro and LaToyia T. Carpenter. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Michigan State Police, Lansing Police Department, and Holland Department of Public Safety.

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