U.S. Attorney Dena J. King | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King | U.S. Department of Justice
Carlos Fernandez, 33, of Porterville, California, was sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for attempting to smuggle 20 pounds of cocaine through the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The announcement was made by Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), joined U.S. Attorney King in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, on July 27, 2021, law enforcement conducting routine interdiction operations at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport questioned Fernandez for suspected drug trafficking after a drug-detecting dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in his suitcase. Fernandez had just arrived in Charlotte on a flight from California. Law enforcement searched Fernandez’s suitcase and found a smaller suitcase containing three vacuum-sealed packages or “bricks.” A lab analysis confirmed that the substance was cocaine weighing approximately nine kilograms or 20 pounds total. Forensic analysis of Fernandez’s seized cell phones revealed messages discussing drug trafficking activity. The investigation also determined that Fernandez had frequently traveled between California and Charlotte as a drug courier.
On November 7, 2023, Fernandez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting. 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.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney King thanked HSI and CMPD for their investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shavonn Bennette of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
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