Leader of Fayetteville Drug Conspiracy Sentenced to More than 23 Years

RALEIGH, N.C. – A Fayetteville man was sentenced today to 280 months in prison for leading a network of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine distributors.  Garry Jermaine Alford, 49, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, two-hundred eighty grams or more of cocaine base, and forty grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin and forty grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Alford employed at least half a dozen individuals to operate multiple houses used to store and sell drugs in the Deep Creek area of Fayetteville.  Due to the heavy amounts of vehicle and foot traffic at these residences, investigators launched an investigation in early 2019. Search warrants executed at a number of Alford’s stash houses on September 10, 2020 resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, heroin, drug packaging materials, a 12 gauge shotgun, and over $68,000. 

Co-conspirators Xavier Kaylon Whitted and Charles Dexter Underwood have previously been sentenced to terms of imprisonment of 84 months and 72 months respectively.  Other members of the organization were prosecuted by the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office. 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb  prosecuted the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-CR-34-BO-1.

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