Fourteen individuals linked to a North Carolina drug organization, which was supplied by both the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), have been sentenced to prison. The sentencing follows a two-year investigation that revealed the organization's involvement in trafficking substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as illegal firearm possession. This information was disclosed by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
"Deadly drugs like fentanyl and the gun violence tied to the drug trade are responsible for shattering families and devastating our communities," said King. She added, "The prosecution of this trafficking organization with ties to Mexican drug cartels exemplifies our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks, reduce drug-induced gun violence, and build strong and safe communities." Finally, she expressed her gratitude towards law enforcement agencies saying, "I want to thank the DEA and all of our law enforcement partners for their exemplary work in this case and for joining forces to combat drug activity and violent crime."
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, this organization was accountable for distributing large amounts of illicit drugs in the Charlotte area from 2017 to 2022. Court proceedings provided evidence showing that this group had significant ties with both Sinaloa and CJNG cartels.
WSOC-TV reports that sentences varied from 24 years in prison down to 14 months. Most defendants resided in Charlotte while all were based in North Carolina except one individual from South Carolina and another from Los Angeles.
The investigation resulted in seizures including 328 kilograms of cocaine, 26 kilograms of fentanyl, a kilogram of heroin, 60 firearms, and $2.4 million in cash. The investigative process involved wiretaps, controlled purchases, and surveillance according to an official release.
Charlotte’s NPR station WFAE states that Mexican drug cartels do not directly operate in North Carolina, but instead maintain loose associations with local entities that distribute drugs. It is speculated that Atlanta's status as a hub of cartel activity has made Charlotte a secondary hub due to its proximity. Three cartels, namely the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and the Beltrán Leyva Organization are known to have affiliates in North Carolina. A large-scale investigation into a CJNG-affiliated cartel in North Carolina led to 600 arrests in early 2020.
Carolina Public Press reveals that the fentanyl crisis in North Carolina has escalated to such an extent that in 2022, an average of 11 people per day succumbed to fentanyl overdose. This trend shows no signs of abating in 2023 as nearly 350 people reportedly died from the substance in October of that year.
Dena J. King is an American lawyer who has been serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina since 2021.
