Craven County, NC – Lucio Camargo Garcia has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in Craven County. The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing on December 5.
According to court records, federal, state, and local authorities began investigating Garcia in 2021 for his role as a primary distributor of drugs in the region. The investigation identified Garcia as a major figure in obtaining and reselling kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl to dealers and users throughout the area.
Through extensive surveillance, controlled purchases, and enforcement actions, Garcia’s activities were linked to multiple sales of meth and fentanyl. Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes emphasized the significance of the case, noting that Garcia’s arrest has led to a substantial reduction in the availability of these dangerous substances in the community.
From January to October 2022, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled drug buys from Garcia. On October 31, 2022, search warrants were executed at properties tied to Garcia, including his residence, where authorities seized around one kilogram of methamphetamine, 900 grams of fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley Jr. commented on Garcia’s actions, stating that the defendant had exploited the most vulnerable members of society, profiting from their addiction.