Three Virginia men sentenced after FBI investigation reveals use of encrypted messaging and transportation business for large-scale fentanyl trafficking
Alexandria, Virginia – Three Virginia men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a widespread fentanyl trafficking operation that distributed tens of thousands of pills across the region. Their actions, which took place between July 2023 and April 2024, led to a multi-agency investigation that uncovered the extent of their drug network.
Federal Investigation Uncovers Massive Drug Operation
According to court documents, Xavier Elijah Coltrane, also known as X or Slime, 21, of Arlington; Vaughn Meachem, also known as Vaughn Lockhart, 34, of Alexandria; and Cameron Harris, 24, of Gainesville, worked together to distribute large quantities of fentanyl pills. Over the course of five controlled purchases conducted by the FBI, the men sold approximately 65,000 fentanyl pills and a kilogram of cocaine.
Coltrane, who co-owned Exquisite Luxury Transportation, used the car service as a front for his drug trafficking activities. He facilitated the drug deals by arranging for buyers to book rides with the company. Once the vehicles arrived at a designated location, the drugs were delivered. Meachem was primarily responsible for distributing the fentanyl pills at the deal locations, while Harris stepped in to deliver the drugs when Coltrane believed law enforcement was monitoring his transportation service. On at least one occasion, Coltrane personally handled the delivery.
Investigators discovered that Coltrane used encrypted messaging apps such as Instagram and Telegram to communicate with co-conspirators and buyers, attempting to evade detection by law enforcement.
Lengthy Prison Sentences for the Defendants
All three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Their sentences reflect the severity of their crimes:
- On February 13, 2025, Coltrane received a 20-year prison sentence
- On December 18, 2024, Harris was sentenced to 13 years in prison
- On February 14, 2025, Meachem was sentenced to 10 years in prison
The case was brought forward by Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division. U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. handed down the sentences.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, Virginia State Police, and the Prince William County Police Department. Their combined efforts were instrumental in dismantling the drug trafficking network.
This case is part of the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Northern Virginia Gang Initiative, which targets drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The program also aims to reduce drug-related crime and identify emerging drug trends before they escalate.
