Moore County, N.C. – Sheriff Ronnie Fields announced the results of a major two-year investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering ring that has led to the arrest of 37 individuals. The operation, conducted with local, state, and federal collaboration, focused on dismantling a criminal network involved in the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
As part of this extensive investigation, authorities uncovered a complex operation that not only involved the distribution of drugs but also a money laundering scheme. Seized during the investigation were:
30 kilograms of fentanyl
80 kilograms of methamphetamine
14 kilograms of cocaine
Over $600,000 in cash
The investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which targets high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and other organized criminal enterprises. The task force used a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven approach to effectively target and dismantle these dangerous networks.
Sheriff Fields emphasized the critical role of partnerships between law enforcement agencies at all levels: “The sale of illicit drugs and the violence often associated with these crimes remain a pressing concern for our community. This investigation underscores the importance of partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies. Together, we have made a substantial impact on criminal networks that threaten our streets with death and destruction.”
The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as money laundering. All of the defendants are currently in federal custody and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Below are some of the individuals arrested as part of this operation:
Nicholas Tyler Curry, 30, Mount Gilead, NC – Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; money laundering conspiracy
Jimmy Mendoza Arenas, 36, Phoenix, AZ – Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; money laundering conspiracy
Kelly Emanuel Harrington Jr., 31, Candor, NC – Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine
Crandal Ortais Ingram, 32, High Point, NC – Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; money laundering conspiracy
Sammy Soqui, 36, Tucson, AZ – Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as law enforcement continues to analyze evidence and follow up on leads. Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to contact local law enforcement or submit tips to the OCDETF tip line.
This successful operation highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis, methamphetamine abuse, and the violence associated with drug trafficking in North Carolina and beyond.
