Maple Hill man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Maple Hill man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Eugene James, 48, was sentenced Tuesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. James pleaded guilty on Jan. 29 to distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to federal prosecutors, James was among several individuals investigated in 2024 as part of a drug trafficking organization operating in Eastern North Carolina. Authorities said the organization distributed methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl in Pender, Onslow and New Hanover counties.
Between February and April 2024, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilmington and Jacksonville police departments purchased methamphetamine and fentanyl from James at a residence in Maple Hill using investigative techniques, prosecutors said.
James was arrested on May 6, 2025, at a home in Onslow County. Authorities said they recovered a small amount of narcotics and several firearms during the arrest.
According to court records, James has previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a firearm into occupied property, conspiracy to distribute and possess crack cocaine with intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said the office will continue pursuing people who distribute illegal drugs in communities across the region.
Jacksonville Police Chief Ashley Weaver said the case demonstrates cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working to investigate drug trafficking organizations.
The case was investigated by the ATF, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department and Jacksonville Police Department.
Federal prosecutors said the prosecution was part of Operation Counterpunch, a Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks.
