A Raleigh man has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for leading a cocaine trafficking operation in the area. Wilbert Lee Howard, III, age 42, pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, to charges related to distributing large quantities of cocaine and possessing firearms.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle commented on the sentencing: “This defendant had multiple prior state convictions for cocaine trafficking and possessing firearms, but he never learned his lesson. He continued to pump poison into our neighborhoods instead of being a contributing member of society. Our neighborhoods, families, and communities are safer with this man behind bars. If you think you can make money and get away with selling drugs in Eastern North Carolina, you are wrong. Our federal and state law enforcement will find you, take your drugs, guns, cars, and money, and you will go to prison. Justice in this case is strong, it’s fair, and it sends a message loud and clear.”
Court records show that between September 2023 and July 2024, Howard distributed about 14 kilograms of cocaine throughout Raleigh and nearby communities. Investigators found that he obtained kilogram amounts of cocaine which he then supplied to other dealers for further distribution in the region. Law enforcement conducted several traffic stops involving individuals connected to Howard’s operation; these stops resulted in the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, and cash.
On July 17, 2024, authorities executed search warrants at locations linked to Howard’s drug activities. They recovered additional quantities of cocaine along with cash and multiple firearms including a shotgun and a 9mm handgun.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked alongside the Raleigh Police Department during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a national effort by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime through coordinated resources such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
