RALEIGH, N.C. – Enrico Ferrante Cotton, 55, is headed to federal prison for nine years after admitting to peddling poison in the streets of Raleigh. Cotton was sentenced today for distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute both fentanyl and cocaine, including a quantity exceeding 40 grams. The guilty plea came on March 26, 2025, but the rot ran much deeper, according to court documents.
The case began unraveling in February 2024 when law enforcement received a tip from a confidential informant about Cotton’s drug dealing operation. It wasn’t long before they had their proof. On March 1, 2024, an undercover officer completed a controlled purchase of 32.82 grams of fentanyl from Cotton for $1,500. During the transaction, Cotton openly discussed expanding the deal to include cocaine – a clear indication of the scope of his criminal enterprise.
Authorities quickly honed in on a storage unit frequently visited by Cotton. A K-9 unit sniffed out the presence of narcotics, prompting a search warrant. The resulting raid turned up a veritable pharmacy of illegal substances: heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and a dangerous chemical compound known as 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP), alongside an array of drug paraphernalia. It was a one-stop shop for anyone looking to score.
But the stash wasn’t limited to the storage unit. A follow-up search of Cotton’s residence revealed another 47.35 grams of fentanyl and ANPP cleverly hidden inside the toilet. As if that wasn’t enough, investigators also seized $9,231 in cash, four cell phones, a loaded magazine, a money counter, and a staggering 55 rounds of ammunition. This wasn’t just a drug operation; it was a well-funded, potentially violent one.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Daniel P. Bubar, announced the sentencing, delivered by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci leading the prosecution. This case sends a clear message: dealing fentanyl will land you a lengthy prison sentence.
For those seeking further information, related court documents can be found on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s website or via PACER, using case number 5:24-CR-00328-BO. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in North Carolina.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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