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Press Release

Onslow County Man Involved In Multi-State Drug Trafficking Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – Abdul Sanderlin, 29, of Onslow County, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in multiple states.   

According to court documents, evidence presented in court, and other documents, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received information that Sanderlin was involved in the distribution of narcotics between New Jersey and Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. 

On August 27, 2020, an undercover DEA task force officer made a controlled purchased of a half an ounce of methamphetamine from Sanderlin. Law enforcement observed Sanderlin leaving his apartment in Sneads Ferry prior to him making the deal.  Later law enforcement served a search warrant on the residence, and recovered 46 grams of methamphetamine, more than 2,000 bags of suspected heroin, paraphernalia associated with drug distribution and more than $17,000.

On January 26, 2023, Sanderlin pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Sanderlin has previously been convicted in New Jersey state court of manufacturing or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or intent to manufacture (2012), felony unlawful possession of a handgun (2014), manufacturing or distributing a controlled dangerous substance or intent to manufacture (2018). 

Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Onslow County Sheriffs’ Offices  investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Severo and Gabe Diaz  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. 7:22-cr-00082-D.

Updated May 10, 2023

Topic
Drug Trafficking