Wilbert Lee Howard, III, age 42, has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for leading a significant cocaine trafficking operation in Raleigh and nearby areas. Howard entered a guilty plea on June 12, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle stated, “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. Investigators determined that Howard acquired large amounts of cocaine which he then provided to other dealers for local distribution. Police 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 officers executed search warrants at properties linked to Howard’s drug activities where they found more cocaine along with cash and multiple firearms including a shotgun and a 9mm handgun.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle following proceedings before U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives together with the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case while Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative focused on combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
