Andora Smith conspired to traffic drugs from Kentucky into Southwest Virginia

Edited by Dan McDermott

ABINGDON, Va. — A former Virginia schoolteacher who played a central role in trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl into Southwest Virginia has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison.

Andora Lee Smith, 62, of Whitesburg, Kentucky, was sentenced Tuesday to 145 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, as well as one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors said Smith conspired with several others—including Eric Coffey, Daniel Hafemeister, Michael Hicks, Cody Rose, and Ashley Beverly Jr.—to bring over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the region. Most of the drug activity took place at Smith’s home in Kentucky, where she kept multiple pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl on hand, distributing the substances in ounce or larger quantities.

In addition to operating from her residence, Smith also traveled to Virginia to deliver drugs and made routine trips to Louisville, Kentucky, to obtain supplies of fentanyl and xylazine—also known on the street as “black”—for further distribution.

Before her involvement in drug trafficking, Smith worked for 15 years as a teacher at Norton Elementary School and John I. Burton High School in Norton, Virginia.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The case was investigated by the ATF, Southwest Drug Task Force, Kentucky State Police, and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case.