Jiani Tomaz Alston, Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Carolina 2023

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A massive federal sting operation has led to the arrest of 20 defendants in North Carolina, accused of running a massive methamphetamine and gun trafficking ring.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), involved multiple federal, state, and local agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Marshals Service, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

The defendants, named in a federal indictment, include Jiani Tomaz Alston, 26, of Raleigh, NC, who is accused of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute the same, and aiding and abetting.

Demetrius Sonaz Alston, Jr., 25, of Charlotte, NC, is also charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute the same, and aiding and abetting.

The investigation, which began in 2023, uncovered a sophisticated network of methamphetamine traffickers who were using firearms to further their operations.

The defendants will face federal charges in the Eastern District of North Carolina, and their cases are currently pending.

This massive operation highlights the ongoing threat of methamphetamine and gun trafficking in North Carolina and the need for continued collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes.

Defendants and Charges:

Jiani Tomaz Alston, 26, Raleigh, NC – Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, Aiding and abetting.

Demetrius Sonaz Alston, Jr., 25, Charlotte, NC – Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, Aiding and abetting.

Kenneth Brown, 40, Wilmington, NC – Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, Distribute a quantity of cocaine base, Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Massimo Campana, 30, Wilmington, NC – Distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Kawshie Chapman, 48, Wilmington, NC – Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Receiving and possessing a short-barreled rifle.

Ronesha Greene-McNeil, 35, Leland, NC – Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and cocaine, Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

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