Nigel Gray’s lengthy criminal history and ties to the Sinaloa Cartel highlighted in federal court.
A North Carolina man was sentenced Friday to 24 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for his leading role in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl and cocaine, with direct ties to the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
Gray, of Raleigh, had pleaded guilty to 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 on June 28, 2024. At the time of his arrest, Gray was already on federal supervised release for a prior drug conviction.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina emphasized the commitment to dismantling such criminal networks. “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 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.”
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charlotte, highlighted the impact of the sentencing.
“This sentencing marks significant progress in our relentless efforts to shield our communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking,” stated Morant. “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.”
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The investigation into Gray’s activities began on February 23, 2023, when HSI received intelligence linking him to the Sinaloa Cartel.
A package containing nearly five kilograms of cocaine was intercepted en route from Corona, California, to an address in Greenville, North Carolina. On February 27, a controlled delivery was conducted, and a child retrieved the package. Subsequent surveillance and investigation confirmed Gray had arranged for its pickup.
Further surveillance on August 23, 2023, observed Gray meeting with individuals in North Hills, Raleigh. A vehicle later stopped in Winterville yielded 82 grams of fentanyl and 40 grams of cocaine. A subsequent operation in a Dollar General parking lot in Elizabeth City led to the seizure of over two and a half kilograms of narcotics, including fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl.
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Gray was arrested on March 13, 2024. Prior to his arrest, agents observed him leaving a Raleigh residence that was found to contain a kilogram press, drug packaging materials, multiple firearms, and over two kilograms of fentanyl. A search of Gray’s vehicle also uncovered evidence of wire transfers to Mexico, further solidifying his international drug trafficking ties.
Gray has a long history of criminal convictions, including 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).
U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III handed down the sentencing.
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