News Summary
Khaophone Sychantha, a Canadian citizen, received a 20-year federal prison sentence following a two-decade-long drug trafficking investigation. His operation flooded the U.S. with methamphetamine, ecstasy, and other drugs. Sychantha had a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests and a spot on the Ten Most Wanted list. The case highlights the ongoing battle against drug smuggling across borders and the need for international law enforcement collaboration.
Detroit – Khaophone Sychantha, a 43-year-old Canadian national, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on June 4, 2025, for his extensive involvement in drug trafficking activities across the United States and Canada. His sentencing marks a significant conclusion to a prolonged investigation that spanned over two decades, revealing a sophisticated operation that flooded multiple U.S. states with illegal substances.
Sychantha’s criminal activities began in 2005, ultimately leading to his indictment in 2013. He was charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, ecstasy, BZP (N-benzylpiperazine), and marijuana from 2003 to 2011. Throughout his legal battles, he faced multiple counts related to possession with intent to distribute these potent drugs.
The evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Sychantha orchestrated a drug trafficking ring that supplied millions of pills across several states, including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Georgia, and New York. His organization directed couriers who transported hundreds of thousands of pills and tens of thousands of dollars between Canada and the U.S. over an eight-year period.
Sychantha’s legal troubles intensified after he was indicted in 2013. He was arrested in Canada on three occasions and in 2014, he fled from house arrest, which resulted in his addition to Homeland Security’s Ten Most Wanted List. A reward of $25,000 was offered for information leading to his capture.
In 2017, Sychantha was apprehended in Montreal following an alleged assault on a police officer during a chase. Post-conviction on drug trafficking-related charges in October 2023, he was extradited to Detroit in May 2023 to face his sentencing. Sychantha represented himself during his trial, maintaining his innocence and claiming he would be vindicated by appellate courts. His legal team pushed the argument that he had been kidnapped from Canada and did not receive a proper extradition hearing.
During the trial proceedings, Sychantha filed a motion to vacate or set aside his sentence, citing mental incapacity to effectively conduct his defense. Despite these claims, the evidence against him was compelling, pointing to a well-organized drug trafficking operation with significant implications for public health and safety.
The judicial system’s handling of this case was underscored by U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr., along with acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. Both emphasized the importance of ensuring secure borders to combat rampant drug trafficking and protect communities across the nation.
Sychantha’s associate, David Sok, was also extradited from Canada and pleaded guilty to related charges last year, demonstrating the extensive reach and impact of Sychantha’s drug trafficking operation. Upon completion of his 20-year sentence, Sychantha is set to be deported back to Canada, underlining the broader implications of international drug trafficking and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
This case serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, highlighting the need for collaboration between nations to enforce drug laws effectively and protect the public from dangerous illicit substances.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Canadian sentenced to 20 years federal prison for drug trafficking
- ClickOnDetroit: Drug trafficker on most wanted list sentenced in Detroit courtroom
- Detroit News: Convicted drug dealer from Canada sentenced in Detroit federal court
- Google Search: drug trafficking
- Hawaii News Now: Drug lord from Detroit sentenced to prison for smuggling drugs into Hawaii
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
