Raleigh, NC – A Raleigh man has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison after being convicted of leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization that flooded the community with dangerous and illegal narcotics, federal officials announced. Prosecutors say the lengthy sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of operating major drug networks in North Carolina.
The sentencing follows a federal jury conviction earlier this year and concludes a long-running investigation into drug distribution across Raleigh and surrounding areas.
Federal Judge Hands Down Lengthy Prison Sentence
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina confirmed that Akeem Evans, 36, received the 50-year federal prison sentence for his role as the leader of an extensive drug trafficking organization.
Evans was found guilty on multiple counts related to conspiracy, possession, and intent to distribute illegal drugs, including highly dangerous substances that continue to fuel overdose deaths across the state.
Large-Scale Drug Operation Impacted Raleigh Area
According to federal prosecutors, Evans led a criminal organization responsible for distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and other illegal drugs throughout the Raleigh area.
Court documents revealed that Evans operated the organization over an extended period, using multiple homes in Raleigh and nearby communities as bases for storing, processing, and distributing narcotics. Investigators determined that the operation was both widespread and highly organized.
Millions of Dollars in Drugs Distributed
Authorities said the scope of the operation was significant. Evidence presented in court showed that Evans’ organization distributed:
- At least 11 kilograms of cocaine
- More than 4.8 kilograms of crack cocaine (over 35 pounds combined)
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Marijuana
Prosecutors stated that Evans directed others to store, transport, cook, and sell drugs, effectively managing a network of co-conspirators across the region.
Prosecutors Highlight Severity of Crimes
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle described the case as one of the most serious drug operations prosecuted in the district, emphasizing the harm caused to families and neighborhoods.
“This dealer ran a large-scale drug operation, exploited people he trusted, and pumped deadly drugs into our communities,” Boyle said. “This sentence—spending the next 50 years in federal prison—makes it crystal clear: if you sell drugs here, we will find you, we will convict you, and you will spend decades behind bars.”
Exploited Personal Relationships to Move Drugs
Federal officials said Evans exploited personal relationships to advance his drug operation. One of the most troubling revelations involved a former childhood football coach, whom Evans allegedly convinced to transport kilogram quantities of cocaine into the Raleigh area for distribution.
Investigators said this manipulation of trust was a key component of how Evans expanded and sustained the organization.
Sophisticated Methods Used to Evade Police
Court records also revealed that Evans and his associates used stash houses, encrypted communications, and other counter-surveillance tactics to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Authorities identified Evans as the central figure coordinating drug transactions, directing customers where to buy drugs, and managing logistics across multiple locations.
Major Drug Seizure During 2022 Search Warrants
In March 2022, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at several locations connected to Evans and his network. During those searches, investigators recovered:
- Several kilograms of cocaine
- Hundreds of grams of crack cocaine
- Fentanyl pills
- Marijuana
- Drug paraphernalia
- Firearms
Officials said the seizures further confirmed Evans’ leadership role and the scale of the criminal enterprise.
Local Police Applaud Verdict and Sentence
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said the sentencing brings accountability and closure to a disturbing case that affected the community.
“The sentencing of Akeem Evans brings closure to a deeply disturbing case,” Boyce said. “We are pleased that justice has been served and that those who distribute deadly substances into our community are being held accountable.”
Strong Message Sent to Drug Traffickers
Federal officials emphasized that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes and the long-term damage caused by drug trafficking, especially involving fentanyl, which has contributed to a surge in overdose deaths nationwide.
Prosecutors said the outcome underscores a continued commitment to targeting high-level drug traffickers rather than just street-level dealers.
Join the Conversation
Do you believe long federal sentences like this one help deter large-scale drug trafficking, or should more emphasis be placed on prevention and treatment programs?
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