Canadian man gets 15 years in prison after ecstasy bust in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A Canadian man will spend 15 years in federal prison for transporting ecstasy in Nebraska.

John Francis, 23, was sentenced Thursday to 181 months in prison for possession of ecstasy with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm while trafficking drugs.

In March 2023, Francis fled a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Seward County, authorities said.

He sped off to the west, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph in a chase that spanned 50 miles across three counties.

SEE ALSO: Canadian convicted of ecstasy possession after high-speed chase in Nebraska

Officers from six difference agencies were called in to help, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Law enforcement laid down three sets of spike strips across the interstate, ultimately deflating three of the SUV’s tires.

The vehicle came to a stop, and Francis got out and surrendered.

Inside the SUV, investigators found 6.65 pounds of ecstasy in a duffle bag.

Authorities said Francis also had a loaded handgun in the cupholder and $6,000 in cash.

A jury found him guilty in November.

After prison, Francis will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.