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Alabama Jury Convicts Cocaine Baron Preston Buie of 240 Months, Firearm Charge
MOBILE, AL – In a move that marks the end of a long and bloody crime spree, a North Carolina man has been handed a 240-month sentence for his role in a massive cocaine trafficking operation.
Preston Buie, a 34-year-old from North Carolina, was convicted by a federal jury in January 2024 of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Illegally Possessing a Firearm. The decision was made after a lengthy trial that saw prosecutors present evidence of the defendant’s extensive history of crime, including previous convictions for bank robbery and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, the trouble began in January 2023 when a deputy with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office stopped Buie’s vehicle on Interstate 10 around the Grand Bay exit in Mobile County. Following an alert by a drug detection dog, law enforcement searched Buie’s vehicle and located 12 kilograms of cocaine and a 9mm pistol in his possession.
The discovery marked the culmination of a months-long investigation into Buie’s operation, which saw the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office working together to bring the defendant to justice.
U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement, praising the work of the investigating agencies and the prosecutors who worked tirelessly to secure the conviction. ‘This sentence sends a clear message that those who engage in the trafficking of narcotics will be held accountable for their actions,’ Costello said.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tandice Blackwood, Kacey Chappelear, and Beth Stepan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States, working closely with the investigating agencies to build a strong case against Buie.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, ‘The sentence handed down today is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies in the Southern District of Alabama. We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from the scourge of narcotics trafficking.’
Preston Buie is currently being held at a federal correctional facility, where he will serve out his 240-month sentence. The case serves as a reminder that the war on drugs is far from over, and that those who engage in this type of activity will face severe consequences.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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