A New Orleans resident has been sentenced to federal prison for distributing fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Rickey Smith, 46, received a sentence of 71 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The sentencing took place on December 9, 2025.
Court documents indicate that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Smith in late 2024 after receiving information from the New Orleans Police Department about suspected drug distribution activities. Authorities determined that Smith distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl from his apartment within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
On three separate occasions—November 4, December 3, and December 17, 2024—Smith sold quantities of fentanyl totaling approximately 3.493 grams, 13.97 grams, and 56.6 grams to an individual he believed was a legitimate buyer.
The DEA and New Orleans Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit prosecuted the case.
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