Illinois Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Transporting Meth and a Firearm Through KC Union Station

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Chicago, Ill., man was sentenced in federal court on June 16, 2026, for transporting more than 4 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a train. Radcliffe also pleaded guilty to possessing a revolver in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

Larry L. Radcliffe, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 156 months in federal prison without parole. On Feb. 3, 2026, Radcliffe pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.

Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., train station on Sep. 30, 2024. As passengers disembarked from a train originating in Los Angeles, Ca., officers conducted consensual encounters with other passengers remaining on the train. While one detective was interviewing a passenger, Larry L. Radcliffe jumped from his seat and exclaimed: "What's going on?" Another detective believed this response was strange and was concerned for the safety of his colleague and accordingly engaged Radcliffe asking Radcliffe to step away from the officers. The detective identified himself with law enforcement credentials. Radcliffe reported he was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago. Radcliffe claimed he did not have identification. The detective noticed three pieces of luggage and asked Radcliffe if they belonged to him. Radcliffe acknowledged ownership of two pieces of luggage but stated he was unsure if the third piece was his. The detective asked to look inside the last piece to ensure there were no weapons and Radcliffe stated: "go ahead." Upon searching, the detective discovered 10 bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in clear cellophane. A forensic drug testing laboratory later determined the bundles contained approximately 4.33 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. In a subsequent search, investigators found a .357 revolver in one of Radcliffe's other pieces of luggage. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Radcliffe admitted he knowingly possessed the methamphetamine and was transporting it to a person he knew would distribute it. Radcliffe also admitted he knowingly possessed the firearm to protect himself and the methamphetamine he was transporting.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.