Antoine Durel Reid, Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking, North Carolina 2022

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Antoine Durel Reid, 39, of Catawba, N.C., has been sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Reid was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

The investigation into Reid's drug trafficking activities in Catawba County began when law enforcement conducting surveillance observed Reid enter a vehicle with an expired license plate. A traffic stop was conducted, and a search of the vehicle revealed a black backpack containing a Smith and Wesson SD9 VE 9mm silver and black pistol, almost half a kilogram of methamphetamine, over 260 grams of fentanyl packaged in Ziploc bags, and three digital scales. Reid also had $1,590 in his pockets.

Further investigation led to Reid's arrest on July 21, 2023, at a gas station in Hickory in relation to an assault. Video footage collected from the gas station showed Reid brandishing a pistol, and a warrant was obtained for his arrest. During the arrest, law enforcement found Reid standing outside an SUV with another individual and observed suspected drug paraphernalia. A search of the vehicle revealed narcotics and a black Taurus G2C 9mm handgun.

Reid pleaded guilty to the charges on August 8, 2024. U.S. Attorney King thanked the ATF, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hickory Police Department for their investigation of the case.

Assistant United States Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa prosecuted the case. Reid's sentence is a result of his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

The case is a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of law enforcement's efforts to combat these crimes. Reid's sentence serves as a warning to others involved in similar activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/catawba-man-sentenced-10-years-prison-trafficking-fentanyl-and-methamphetamine