Multi-Kilo Distributor with Ties to Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to 24 Years

RALEIGH, N.C. – Nigel Gray, 45, of Raleigh, was sentenced to 24 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine. He pled guilty to the charges on June 28, 2024.  Gray was also on federal supervised release at the time.

“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,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We will continue to work hand in hand with our state and federal partners to stop the flow of deadly narcotics and pursue justice for the people of this district.”

“This sentencing marks significant progress in our relentless efforts to shield our communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking," stated Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte, responsible for North and South Carolina. "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 and firmly asserting that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.”

Law enforcement received information linking Nigel Gray to the Sinaloa Cartel. On February 23, 2023, Homeland Security Investigations learned that a package containing nearly five kilograms of cocaine was enroute from Corona, California, to an address in Greenville, North Carolina. A controlled delivery was made on February 27, and a child retrieved the package. Surveillance and the investigation revealed Gray arranged for its pickup. On August 23, 2023, agents observed Gray in North Hills in Raleigh, meeting with individuals in a car later stopped in Winterville. Officers recovered 82 grams of fentanyl and 40 grams of cocaine. Further surveillance led to a Dollar General parking lot in Elizabeth City, where agents seized over two and a half kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl. On March 13, 2024, Gray was arrested. Prior to his arrest, agents observed him leaving a Raleigh residence that held a kilogram press, drug packaging materials, firearms, and over two kilograms of fentanyl. A search of Gray’s car uncovered evidence of wire transfers to Mexico.

Gray has prior convictions for Accessory after the fact (2005), Possession of a Firearm by a felon (2009), Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2009) and Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine (2012).

Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Raleigh Police Department, Nashville Police Department, Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Katherine Englander 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. 5:24-CR-76-D.