GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Michigan, Western), published as received.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey, announced that a federal jury convicted Cordairo Aqtavian Lambert, age 39 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The investigation into Lambert began in July 2024 after postal inspectors in Arizona seized and searched a parcel addressed to a residence in Grand Rapids; that parcel contained over a half kilogram of cocaine. Inspectors identified Lambert on surveillance video mailing the 2024 parcel from Arizona. Lambert had previous drug trafficking and firearm felonies in both federal and state courts. Evidence presented at trial showed that Lambert frequently traveled to Arizona, often crossing the border into Mexico, in conjunction with the time suspected drug parcels were sent. One year later, in July 2025, Lambert attempted to retrieve a parcel containing nearly two-thirds of a kilogram of cocaine from a residence in southeast Grand Rapids. When a Grand Rapids police officer attempted to arrest him, Lambert fled on foot and hid in a residential neighborhood, before surrendering to police. The images below are from evidence admitted at trial showing Lambert retrieving the parcel in July 2025 and fleeing police:
“My office will continue to focus its resources on prosecuting recidivist felons like Lambert who flood our neighborhoods with drugs,” stated U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This investigation underscores the power of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies and the need for further vigilance and resources in combatting drug trafficking using the U.S. Mail.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains fully committed to investigating and holding accountable those who traffic dangerous drugs in our communities,” said Felicia B. George, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Detroit Division. “This successful outcome is a direct reflection of the commitment of federal and local law enforcement partnerships, all working together to keep the citizens of the Western District of Michigan safe.”
“I value our partnerships with our federal agencies and appreciate the tireless work from all those that contributed to this lengthy investigation. Drug trafficking not only brings dangerous drugs into our communities, but it also brings violence. Successful convictions for those responsible sends a strong message of accountability which has a significant impact on reducing crime.” said Grand Rapids Interim Police Chief Joseph Trigg.
Lambert is scheduled to be sentenced this fall and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the conviction.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Rapids Police Department, and Michigan State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vito S. Solitro and Stephanie M. Carowan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
