Raleigh, NC – Eight individuals have been arrested following a weeks-long investigation by the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), which led to over 100 felony charges related to the possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
The investigation, which began in July, uncovered a network of drug sales involving substances like marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Investigators used undercover tactics and information gathered from spontaneous sources to identify Prince-Anthonee-India Taylor as the primary distributor of these drugs in and around ABC-permitted establishments in the South Sounders Street area of Raleigh.
Undercover Operations and Arrests
Over several weeks, ALE agents posed as buyers and purchased over $2,200 worth of drugs, using empty chip bags to exchange money for narcotics handed over in cups at designated locations.
On August 6, Taylor was arrested after sending an undercover agent an updated price list for the drugs he was selling. As per WRAL, officers found him in possession of nearly 30 grams of fentanyl.
After his arrest, Taylor cooperated with police, revealing that he sourced his fentanyl from a woman living at an apartment on Raven Ridge Road. Officers traced the contact information to Kaitlyn Street, who had previously been stopped for a traffic violation in a white Lincoln MKZ.
Multiple Arrests and Drug Seizures
On the same day as Taylor’s arrest, Street and her passenger, Miah Lewis, were arrested. Police found a firearm and nearly 40 grams of fentanyl in their possession. The fentanyl closely matched the drugs previously sold by Taylor.
ALE agents subsequently obtained search warrants for both Taylor’s home on East Martin Street and the Raven Ridge Road apartment, resulting in the seizure of:
- 12.5 ounces of fentanyl
- 2.1 ounces of cocaine (both powder and crack)
- 5.7 ounces of methamphetamine
- 1 pound of marijuana
- $6,640 in cash
- Two firearms
Drug Trafficking Charges and Arrests
The following individuals were arrested and charged in connection with this case:
- Prince Anthonee-India Taylor (37, Raleigh) – 43 felonies, 3 misdemeanors
- Felicia Coovert (23, Louisburg) – 12 felonies
- Ginger Kendrick (23, Mebane) – 8 felonies, 1 misdemeanor
- Kaitlyn Street (24, Fuquay-Varina) – 11 felonies, 2 misdemeanors
- Tatyana Groves (21, Raleigh) – 9 felonies, 1 misdemeanor
- Miah Lewis (25, Raleigh) – 11 felonies, 1 misdemeanor
- Mykelti Wynn (32, Raleigh) – 6 felonies, 2 misdemeanors
- Christopher Brewington (35, Raleigh) – 1 felony, 1 misdemeanor
Dangers of Fentanyl and the Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, continues to pose a significant danger to public health. Even small amounts can be deadly, and its widespread availability has fueled the opioid crisis. The ALE’s successful operation underscores the state’s commitment to tackling illegal drug trafficking and protecting communities.
What measures do you think should be taken to prevent fentanyl distribution in North Carolina? Share your thoughts in the comments.
