Como man sentenced for cocaine distribution
ABERDEEN, Miss. – A Como man was sentenced to five years in federal prison Tuesday for his role in a drug trafficking operation targeted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills ordered Irish Lee, 49, to serve 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Lee, who pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution in November 2025, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals immediately following the hearing.
Task Force Targets Cartel Activity
The sentencing is a result of the Mississippi HSTF, a multi-agency partnership involving the FBI, HSI, ATF, and DEA. U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary emphasized that the task force was created to combat the influx of cheap narcotics and violent crime linked to international drug cartels.
“The HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting such crimes,” Leary said. “Our border opened up, drugs poured into our country, and drug cartels took advantage of this situation. This case is part of our whole-of-government response to that crisis.”
Co-Defendant Awaits Sentencing
Lee was charged in an indictment alongside Christopher Mack, who has also pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution. Mack is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mills on March 19, 2026.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff noted that the investigation, which included the Cleveland Police Department, underscores a zero-tolerance policy for trafficking in the state.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: drugs will not be tolerated, and Mississippi will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers,” Eikhoff said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Doleac prosecuted the case. Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding drug trafficking or related crimes to contact local law enforcement.
