A Detroit man is facing charges after allegedly selling guns and suspected fentanyl to undercover agents.
According to a criminal complaint filed on Jan. 13, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) accused Craig Patterson of selling guns and drugs to undercover agents on three separate occasions.
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ATF conducted three undercover transactions where three agents bought two privately made guns, a 9mm pistol and an AR-15 pistol, also known as “ghost guns,” as well as a Chinese-made AK-47-style rifle. Authorities said agents also bought suspected fentanyl pills from Patterson.
In November 2025, an undercover ATF special agent bought a privately made 9mm pistol with no serial number on it, equipped with a high-capacity magazine and containing 21 live 9mm rounds, allegedly from Patterson at his home in Detroit.
On the second occasion in November 2025, undercover ATF agents bought a 7.62 caliber AR-style pistol from Patterson with no serial number on it, equipped with one high-capacity magazine containing five live 7.62 rounds of ammunition for $1,000.
In December 2025, undercover ATF agents bought a Chinese-made SKS 7.62 caliber rifle, equipped with two high-capacity magazines and a plastic baggie containing 1.3 gross grams of suspect fentanyl, allegedly at Patterson’s house.
Federal authorities examined the guns purchased and found that the guns were manufactured outside Michigan, “therefore had traveled in and affected interstate commerce.”
Patterson faces federal charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute.
Previous conviction
Patterson was previously convicted in 2004 in Wayne County for delivering and manufacturing a controlled substance, which was punishable by more than a year in prison.