Authorities Arrest 9 on Drug, Firearm Trafficking Charges

Law enforcement agencies have disrupted a major drug and gun trafficking network in South Mississippi, arresting nine men while seizing methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl pills, and multiple illegal firearms.

Key Insights

A coordinated effort between local, state, and federal agencies led to the indictment of nine men allegedly involved in drug and firearm trafficking in Stone County, Mississippi.
The operation seized nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and more than 20 firearms.
The investigation included over 30 undercover operations as part of “Operation Take Back America,” which targets illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
Several suspects face potential life sentences for charges including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Major Multi-Agency Operation Leads to Indictments

A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi has indicted nine men on various charges related to drug and firearm trafficking following an extensive joint investigation. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), US Postal Inspection Service, and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. This coordinated effort included more than 30 undercover operations.

Acting US Attorney Patrick A. Lemon announced the arrests as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a broader initiative targeting illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations. The suspects were apprehended after months of investigative work that revealed an extensive network trafficking drugs and weapons throughout the region.

Federal grand jury indicts 9 men for drug, firearm trafficking https://t.co/Z13AveaZMy

— WHLT 22 Hattiesburg (@WHLT22) April 1, 2025

Substantial Drug and Weapon Seizures

The investigation resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs and weapons. Law enforcement confiscated nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine, over 4,000 fentanyl pills, 18 grams of powder fentanyl, and more than 20 firearms. The quantity of fentanyl alone represents thousands of potentially lethal doses, as even small amounts of this synthetic opioid can cause fatal overdoses.

The seized firearms included various types of weapons, some of which had been illegally modified or were in possession of convicted felons prohibited from owning firearms. This aspect of the operation highlights the dangerous connection between drug trafficking and illegal weapons, as criminal organizations frequently use firearms to protect their drug operations and territory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Hunter McCreight, who will present the evidence gathered during the extensive investigation.

Defendants Face Serious Federal Charges

The nine men indicted face a range of serious federal charges that could result in substantial prison sentences if they are convicted. Alvonta Demarcus McCray faces the most severe charges, including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, which could result in a life sentence if convicted. Roderick Victor Minter and Tracy Antoine McCall also face potential life sentences for methamphetamine distribution charges. Other defendants, including Nathaniel Jackson and Jeremy Young, are charged with fentanyl distribution and face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Several suspects face weapons charges in addition to drug trafficking. Melvin McCray is charged with firearm trafficking and possession by a convicted felon, and he faces up to 15 years in prison. Cameron Fairley and Christopher Chase Brown face firearm trafficking charges, with Fairley also charged with drug distribution offenses. Cleon Johnson is charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.