Raleigh Trafficker Sentenced for Cocaine and Gun Crimes

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Wilbert Lee Howard, III, 42, to 16 years in federal prison for leading a major cocaine trafficking operation in the Raleigh area. Howard pleaded guilty to his crimes on June 12, 2025.

“This defendant had multiple prior state convictions for cocaine trafficking and possessing firearms, but he never learned his lesson. He continued to pump poison into our neighborhoods instead of being a contributing member of society,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our neighborhoods, families, and communities are safer with this man behind bars. If you think you can make money and get away with selling drugs in Eastern North Carolina, you are wrong. Our federal and state law enforcement will find you, take your drugs, guns, cars, and money, and you will go to prison. Justice in this case is strong, it’s fair, and it sends a message loud and clear.”

According to court documents and information presented in court, from September 2023 to July 2024, Howard distributed approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine in Raleigh and its surrounding communities. The investigation revealed that Howard was obtaining kilograms of cocaine and distributing them to other drug dealers for sale in the Raleigh area. Law enforcement conducted multiple traffic stops of individuals working with Howard and recovered cocaine, marijuana, and cash.

On July 17, 2024, officers executed search warrants at properties used by Howard for drug trafficking and recovered cocaine, cash, and multiple firearms, including a shotgun and a 9mm handgun.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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-00264.