A Memphis man has been sentenced to more than seven years behind bars for his involvement in a major drug trafficking conspiracy that centered around fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in the Memphis area.
Courtney Davis, 28, known by aliases such as Geo and Geo Grape, played a pivotal role in this operation, working alongside co-defendant Brian Lackland, who is also known by several nicknames, including Stupid Duke, Spooky Duke, Duke, and Homework.
The Conspiracy and Investigation
Davis and Lackland were part of a gang called the Young Mob, or Young Mob Military, based in Memphis.
This gang was deeply involved in the illegal distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The investigation into their activities began in March 2024, with law enforcement agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Multiagency Gang Unit using wiretaps to monitor the two men.
These wiretaps revealed multiple conversations between Davis and Lackland about the acquisition and distribution of “blues,” which are fentanyl pills designed to resemble blue 30mg oxycodone pills.
Davis’ Role in the Drug Trade
Court documents revealed that Davis was responsible for obtaining and distributing significant amounts of both fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Over the course of his involvement, he handled approximately 90 grams of fentanyl and 1,360 grams of methamphetamine, contributing to the illicit drug trade in Memphis.
His actions were part of a larger, ongoing investigation into the gang’s operations, which resulted in 18 individuals being charged, with Davis being the first to be sentenced.
Legal Action and Prosecution
In December 2024, Davis pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute fentanyl.
His sentence was announced by Matthew R. Galeotti, the head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee.
The case was investigated by the ATF and the Memphis Multiagency Gang Unit, with prosecution handled by Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham for the Western District of Tennessee.
A Joint Effort to Tackle Violent Crime
This case is part of a larger initiative aimed at tackling violent crime in Memphis, particularly crimes related to gang activity and drug trafficking.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations.
Through this multi-agency approach, federal laws are being used to prosecute gang members and associates who contribute to the city’s rising levels of violence and drug-related crimes.