Two men from Kalamazoo County, Michigan, have received federal prison sentences in connection with fentanyl-related drug poisonings that led to at least seven deaths in the spring of 2023.

According to a press release issued Thursday by Andrew Byerly Birge, acting U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, 42-year-old James Smith was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death.

Also sentenced was 27-year-old Patrick Donald Martin, who received a four-year prison term for using a communication facility in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances that led to death.

“The sentences imposed on the defendants in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes,” Birge stated in the release.

Authorities in the Kalamazoo area responded to a series of drug poisoning incidents on April 12 and 13, 2023. These incidents led to several hospitalizations and seven confirmed deaths.

“April 13, 2023, was a sad day in Kalamazoo County,” said Captain Mike Ferguson of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team/Crime Reduction Team. “We extend our condolences to the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy. Hopefully, these sentences will allow some closure to those involved.”

CBS Detroit reports an investigation determined that the substance involved — believed by some users to be cocaine — actually contained fentanyl. Law enforcement officials traced the drug back to Martin and ultimately to Smith, according to the press release.

During the sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked on the inherent risks of drug trafficking, regardless of the dealer’s intentions, emphasizing the widespread presence of fentanyl in street drugs.

“Many street drugs have fentanyl in it — it’s just that prevalent,” Jarbou said.

The judge also expressed disbelief that Smith continued distributing drugs even after learning about the fatalities and injuries caused in spring 2023.

“That tells me the consequences of your actions did not deter you,” she said before sentencing him to 20 years behind bars.

The case was investigated by several agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Portage Department of Public Safety, and the Michigan State Police.