Nigel Gray, a 45-year-old resident of Raleigh, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine. This sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. Gray pled guilty on June 28, 2024, while he was already on federal supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated, “This case reflects our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks—particularly those connected to cartels—and holding accountable those who fuel addiction and violence in the Eastern District.” He emphasized continued collaboration with state and federal partners to combat narcotics distribution.
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, commented on the progress made in combating drug trafficking: “Through the dismantling of this criminal network and the confiscation of dangerous substances such as fentanyl and cocaine, as well as firearms, HSI and its partners are enhancing the safety of our neighborhoods.”
Gray was linked to the Sinaloa Cartel through an investigation that began when Homeland Security Investigations intercepted a package containing nearly five kilograms of cocaine en route from California to North Carolina in February 2023. A controlled delivery led investigators to Gray after surveillance showed his involvement in arranging the pickup.
Further investigations revealed Gray’s ongoing drug activities throughout 2023, including meetings observed by agents that resulted in seizures of fentanyl and cocaine at various locations in North Carolina. His arrest occurred on March 13, 2024, following surveillance that discovered additional drugs and paraphernalia at a residence linked to him.
Gray’s criminal history includes prior convictions for accessory after the fact (2005), possession of a firearm by a felon (2009), assault with a deadly weapon (2009), and conspiracy related to heroin and cocaine distribution (2012).
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The investigation involved multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Customs and Border Protection, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Raleigh Police Department, Nashville Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Greenville Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Katherine Englander prosecuted the case.
