CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fourteen members of a significant drug trafficking organization were sentenced today, following a comprehensive two-year investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Dena J. King, announced the sentences in a case that involved trafficking large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl in the Charlotte area and the illegal possession of firearms.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the Justice Department’s focus on dismantling cartel networks, particularly those involving the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels. U.S. Attorney King emphasized the commitment to disrupting drug networks and reducing drug-related violence.
Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy of the DEA Atlanta Division noted the significance of removing these drug traffickers to enhance community safety. From 2017 to 2022, the defendants distributed hundreds of kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin, with direct ties to the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels.
The investigation involved wiretaps, controlled narcotics purchases, extensive surveillance, and numerous search warrants. Law enforcement seized approximately 328 kilograms of cocaine, 26 kilograms of fentanyl, a kilogram of heroin, 60 firearms, 18 high-capacity magazines, over $2.4 million in cash, and other valuable assets.
United States District Judge Robert J. Conrad sentenced the defendants to varying terms of imprisonment, ranging from 14 months to 24 years, followed by periods of supervised release.