Five counties and multiple agencies came together to break open a major drug trafficking ring with major connections here, according to a release from the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office.
Nearly a year after initiating an investigation into drug activities, a suspect described as being “responsible for receiving and distributing large amounts of cocaine and heroin” has been jailed in Wilmington.
Virgil Jay Brown first came under investigation in October 2020, according to the New Hanover county Sheriff’s Office. During the course of the case, authorities discovered that Brown was allegedly moving narcotics in and around Wilmington. NHCSO and the State Bureau of Investigation obtained multiple search warrants that resulted in 5,000 bags of heroin and a kilo (2.2 pounds) of cocaine from his vehicle, along with $18,000 in cash and multiple firearms.
Brown has pending charges for trafficking in heroin and cocaine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and cocaine, and possession of firearm by felon.
The investigation led to Hugo Nunez-Jaimes of Riegelwood, who was moving multiple kilograms of cocaine between several counties in North Carolina. Nunez-Jaimes was the source of supply for Virgil Brown, according to NHCSO.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotic Gang Unit and the North Carolina State Bureau of investigation conducted surveillance on Nunez-Jaimes in multiple counties over the course of the investigation. On July 2, a multi-agency operation was conducted in Columbus County. During the operation approximately 1,140g of cocaine and approximately $1,000 was seized from vehicles and a home in Riegelwood.
Nunez-Jaimes, Lourdes Dixon and Alexander Shellman were arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, maintain a vehicle for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. All three were held under secured bonds.
During the investigation Detectives seized more than two kilos of cocaine, approximately 20,000 bags containing a total of 400 grams of heroin, six firearms, including five handguns and a stolen shotgun, and approximately $180,000.
Tracy Myers, Christopher Wilson and Khalil Morris were all arrested as a result of this investigation while conspiring with Virgil Brown. New Hanover said Morris and Wilson are validated gang members.
In addition to New Hanover, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation.
