A sweeping federal investigation has led to the indictment of nine men on narcotics and firearm trafficking charges, with a significant focus on the growing fentanyl crisis in Mississippi.

Authorities seized more than 4,000 fentanyl pills and 18 grams of powder fentanyl during the investigation, underscoring the increasing presence of the deadly synthetic opioid in the state. The operation also netted nearly four pounds of methamphetamine and more than 20 firearms.

Among those charged, Nathaniel Jackson and Jeremy Young face serious consequences for their alleged roles in fentanyl distribution. Jackson was indicted on six counts, including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and its analogues, and faces up to 20 years in prison. Young was charged in a two-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and also faces up to 20 years behind bars.

Fentanyl, a powerful opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has been driving overdose deaths nationwide, and law enforcement officials in Mississippi warn that its spread poses a critical threat to communities.

Indictments and Potential Sentences:

• Alvonta Demarcus McCray – Six-count indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; five counts of possession with intent to distribute. Facing up to life in prison.
• Melvin McCray – Five-count indictment for firearms trafficking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Facing up to 15 years in prison.
• Cameron Fairley – Joint indictment for firearms trafficking; two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
• Christopher Chase Brown – Joint indictment for firearms trafficking. Facing up to 15 years in prison.
• Nathaniel Jackson – Six-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Facing up to 20 years in prison.
• Cleon Johnson – Indicted for possession of a short-barreled shotgun. Facing up to 10 years in prison.
• Roderick Victor Minter – Joint indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
• Tracy Antoine McCall – Joint indictment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Facing up to life in prison.
• Jeremy Young – Two-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Facing up to 20 years in prison.

The investigation was part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative aimed at dismantling drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), and the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, collaborated on the case.

Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected drug activity as efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking intensify across the state.