WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department and the FBI, in coordination with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Leland Police Department, executed multiple federal search warrants and a state arrest warrant on Tuesday, April 14 as part of an ongoing joint investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity.
Carlton James McIntyre Jr., 31, was arrested in Leland after law enforcement and a SWAT team executed search warrants in the S. 10th Street area of Wilmington and a Leland location in Leland. Investigators seized around 5 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 900 grams of cocaine, and two firearms.
Law enforcement have identified McIntyre as a member of the Double II Blood Street Gang. He is facing several charges, including trafficking fentanyl and violating federal probabtion.
In 2021, McIntyre was sentenced in the Eastern District of North Carolina to 4.5 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin, in addition to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. At the time of his arrest, McIntyre was on federal probation with supervision scheduled through June 2026.
During the course of the investigation, evidence was uncovered that McIntyre was allegedly involved in a shooting approximately two years ago in which approximately 150 fired rounds. Investigators also obtained evidence showing McIntyre was in possession of a firearm during that incident, which is illegal for a convicted felon.
The joint Wilmington Police Department and FBI investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be forthcoming. The investigation is being prosecuted in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
“This case reflects the continued strength of our partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels,” said WPD Chief Ryan Zuidema said in a press release. “We remain committed to addressing violent crime and drug trafficking in our community through proactive enforcement and collaboration. Those involved in this type of criminal activity will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable. I want to thank our officers, the FBI, and our partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication throughout this ongoing investigation.”
McIntyre received no bond and is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Facility.
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