Law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Mississippi dismantled a drug trafficking organization, resulting in multiple arrests and significant seizures of illegal substances, according to an Aug. 4 announcement by U.S. Attorney Scott Leary.
Authorities seized 25 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 4,000 pills containing fentanyl during the operation. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshal Service, and Grenada Police Department as part of a multi-year effort targeting organizations involved in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine while committing firearm offenses.
U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary said, “We live in a wonderful state and a wonderful country. Old fashioned patriotism should never be criticized. Normal love of country does not make one a zealous super-patriot, it makes one an American. Oh yea, and we still live with heroes in our midst. Law enforcement officers are engaged in a constant and primitive struggle to protect our communities and children. An aspect of this struggle concerns the scourge of drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). DTOs entice our children with the false promise of camaraderie and easy money. The result is destroyed lives and broken communities.” Leary continued that state and federal officers worked together to dismantle an organization involving members from Vice Lord and Gangster Disciple gangs.
Chief United States District Court Judge Deborah M. Brown ordered sentences for several individuals: Chauncey Young received 46 months; Courasier Young received 151 months; Antonio Harley received 18 months; Jerrica Nahwooksy received 21 months; Aleatha Pullen received 70 months; Jesse Coleman received 48 months; Johnathan Sanders received 21 months; Kevin Golliday received 44 months; Marcus Jones received 120 months; James Pruitt received 44 months; Erik Love received 92 months; Christopher Caffey was sentenced to 200 months—all for various charges related to conspiracy or aiding distribution involving methamphetamine or fentanyl.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge John P. Scott said, “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, law enforcement stood united to dismantle a dangerous drug network operating in the Mississippi Delta… The DEA and our partners will not let armed gangs poison our communities; if you deal lethal drugs in Mississippi, we will find you and hold you accountable.”
The operation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion—a partnership among multiple federal agencies aimed at eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling rings operating within the United States or abroad.