RALEIGH --The State Bureau of Investigation partnered with a dozen local law enforcement agencies over the past four months to dismantle a major heroin trafficking ring based in the Triad. In the past week, the agencies have arrested 15 people on multiple charges including drug trafficking and firearms possession.

The SBI and local detectives believe those arrested are members of the Bando Boys criminal organization. The group is believed to be a major source of heroin in High Point and connected to heroin-related violence and overdoses in the Triad area, according to the SBI. 

“This operation was a textbook example of what problem-solving policing is all about,” said Scott Williams, SBI Special Agent in Charge of the Northern Piedmont District. “We identified a problem, consulted with impacted law enforcement agencies, and together developed a solution to fight the problem. The result was impeccable cooperation between law enforcement agencies in four counties who seized an unprecedented amount of heroin for this area.”

Law enforcement agencies served 15 search warrants in High Point and Greensboro during the past week, seizing about $490,000 in cash, nine firearms (including two assault weapons), more than seven kilos of heroin, 29 pounds of marijuana, and 17 vehicles (including two 2012 Mercedes and two Jaguars, 2009 and 2014 models). Three of the recovered firearms had been reported stolen.

The following individuals were arrested last week in conjunction with the investigation:

• Trevorri Jamel McFadden, 22, of High Point - heroin trafficking and conspiracy to traffic heroin
• Andrew Myron Lawing, 38, of Browns Summit - multiple counts of marijuana and heroin trafficking, conspiracy to traffic heroin and possession of firearm by felon.
• Desshon Kevin Ewing, 25, of Albemarle - possession of firearm by felon.
• Octquio Estrada-Herra, 27, of Reidsville - possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling.
• The following individuals were charged Thursday:
• Henry Montarius Smith, 28, Archdale - conspiracy to commit murder, possession of firearm by felon, felony conspiracy, multiple counts of trafficking heroin, conspiracy to traffic heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a dwelling
• Terrazi Kadeem Smith, 22, of Albemarle - conspiracy to commit murder, multiple counts of trafficking heroin, conspiracy to traffic heroin, multiple counts of heroin possession
• Joseph Earl Deans II,  23, of Albemarle - conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to traffic heroin, multiple counts of trafficking heroin, possession of heroin,
•  Leslie Yvette McCollum, 36, of High Point – conspiracy to traffic heroin, multiple counts of trafficking in heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a dwelling
• Shaka Shovone Reap, 22, of High Point, multiple counts of trafficking heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a dwelling
• Richard Nelshon Miles Jr., 25, of High Point – multiple counts of trafficking heroin, conspiracy to traffick heroin, possession or sale of heroin
• Terrence Eugene Wilson, 26, of High Point – conspiracy to traffic in heroin, maintaining a dwelling
• Bria Monet Hobdy, 22, of High Point – trafficking heroin, conspiracy to traffic heroin, maintaining a dwelling
• Collian Lee Little Jr., 25, of High Point – trafficking heroin, conspiracy to traffic heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin
• Clarence Curtis Graham, 21, of Maxton – multiple counts of trafficking heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin

The joint investigation was conducted by police departments from High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Lexington, Thomasville and Archdale, as well as Sheriff’s Offices from Guilford, Forsyth, Davidson and Randolph counties. The Guilford County District Attorney’s Office, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the N.C. Department of Revenue and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation rounded out the team. 

“These agencies not only contributed, but dedicated multiple officers to a variety of tasks throughout this operation,” Williams said. “This operation is a success story for public safety and will serve as a model for future collaborative drug fighting initiatives in the area.”

Thirty warrants for the arrests of others involved in this organization are outstanding, according to Williams.

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Contact: Teresa West
Phone: 919-733-5027