Two men from Grand Bay, Alabama, have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms. Demetrius Dwayne Powell, 33, received a 20-year sentence, while Diricka Tyrese McCants, 41, was sentenced to 12 years.
Court documents state that on July 30, 2024, narcotics agents arrived at a property in Grand Bay to arrest Powell on an outstanding robbery warrant. Agents encountered both Powell and McCants exiting a shed on the premises. McCants, who was already under federal supervised release for a previous felony drug conviction, told the agents: “Once y’all go in there, I’m gone.”
Inside the shed, law enforcement found nearly two pounds of pure methamphetamine along with smaller quantities of crack and powder cocaine. They also discovered opened vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana residue, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and three loaded firearms. After being taken into custody, Powell and McCants exchanged recorded jail calls where Powell encouraged McCants to take responsibility for the drugs due to his own violent criminal history. During these calls, Powell criticized McCants for ignoring warnings about police surveillance.
A search of cell phones seized from both men revealed text messages, photos, and videos documenting their involvement in drug sales and illegal firearm possession over several months in early 2024.
United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer ordered Powell and McCants to serve respective sentences of 240 months (20 years) and 144 months (12 years). Following their release from prison, each will be subject to ten years of supervised release with mandatory drug testing and treatment requirements. The court imposed no fines but ordered them to pay $300 in special assessments collectively and forfeited their firearms.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced the sentences.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office with significant assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
