A sweeping federal investigation has resulted in the indictment of nine men on drugs and firearm trafficking charges, with a particular focus on Mississippi’s rising fentanyl issue.
During the investigation, authorities seized over 4,000 fentanyl tablets and 18 grams of powder fentanyl, highlighting the deadly synthetic opioid’s growing presence in the state. The raid also yielded approximately four pounds of methamphetamine and more than twenty guns.
Nathaniel Jackson and Jeremy Young, two of those charged, face harsh consequences for their suspected involvement in fentanyl distribution. Jackson was charged with six counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and its equivalents, and he faces up to 20 years in jail. Young was indicted on two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Fentanyl, a potent opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, is fueling overdose deaths across the country, and law enforcement authorities in Mississippi warn that its growth poses a serious threat to communities.
Indictments and possible sentences:
- Alvonta Demarcus McCray – Six-count indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; five counts of possession with intent to distribute. Facing up to life in prison.
- Melvin McCray – Five-count indictment for firearms trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Facing up to 15 years in prison.
- Cameron Fairley – Joint indictment for firearms trafficking; two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
- Christopher Chase Brown – Joint indictment for firearms trafficking. Facing up to 15 years in prison.
- Nathaniel Jackson – Six-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Facing up to 20 years in prison.
- Cleon Johnson – Indicted for possession of a short-barreled shotgun. Facing up to 10 years in prison.
- Roderick Victor Minter – Joint indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
- Tracy Antoine McCall – Joint indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
- Jeremy Young – Two-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Facing up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation was part of Operation Take Back America, a federal effort to dismantle drug cartels and multinational criminal organizations. The investigation was worked on collaboratively by multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious drug activity as efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking across the state ramp up.
