Nine men face serious federal charges following a major drug and gun trafficking bust in Stone County, Mississippi, which netted thousands of fentanyl pills, pounds of methamphetamine, and numerous illegal firearms.
Key Takeaways
- A joint operation involving local, state and federal agencies resulted in the arrest of nine men on drug and firearms trafficking charges in Stone County, Mississippi.
- Authorities seized nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and more than 20 firearms during the investigation.
- The operation included over 30 undercover operations and was part of “Operation Take Back America,” targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
- Sentences for the indicted individuals range from up to 10 years to potential life imprisonment, depending on the specific charges.
- The Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Division reported seizing over 20 million deadly doses of fentanyl in 2022, highlighting the scale of the drug crisis in the region.
Major Joint Operation Takes Down Drug and Gun Trafficking Network
A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi has indicted nine men on various charges related to drug and firearm trafficking following an extensive joint investigation. The operation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, US Postal Inspection Service, and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. Acting US Attorney Patrick A. Lemon announced the indictments, which came after more than 30 undercover operations targeting the trafficking network.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized significant quantities of dangerous substances and weapons: nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and more than 20 firearms. This operation represents a major blow to drug distribution in the region, particularly concerning fentanyl, which has become a national crisis. The DEA’s New Orleans Division reported seizing over 20 million deadly doses of fentanyl in 2022 alone, demonstrating the scale of the problem throughout the Gulf Coast region.
This operation was conducted as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a broader initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
Federal grand jury indicts 9 men for drug, firearm trafficking https://t.co/pinExpOzfd
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Nine Defendants Face Serious Federal Charges
The nine individuals indicted in this case face a variety of charges with potentially severe consequences. Alvonta Demarcus McCray faces the most serious charges, including conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, which could result in a life sentence if convicted. Roderick Victor Minter and Tracy Antoine McCall face similar charges with potential life sentences. Cameron Fairley faces both drug and firearm trafficking charges, also potentially resulting in life imprisonment.
Other defendants include Melvin McCray and Christopher Chase Brown, who are charged with firearm trafficking and face up to 15 years in prison. Nathaniel Jackson and Jeremy Young are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, each facing up to 20 years in prison. Cleon Johnson faces charges of possession of a short-barreled shotgun, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Hunter McCreight.
Sources
- 9 arrested in major gun & drug-trafficking bust in South MS after undercover investigation
- Joint Law Enforcement Operation leads to the Indictment of Nine Mississippi Men for Drug and Firearm Trafficking
- Federal grand jury indicts 9 men for drug, firearm trafficking
