A Roanoke Rapids man was sentenced Wednesday to 13 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

The sentencing of Diandre “Debo” Sherod Ireland, 35, “Reflects the serious threat posed by fentanyl traffickers who fuel addiction and violence in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who profit from dealing this deadly poison.”

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Lawrence Wiggins said, “This conviction is the culmination of hard work by the Halifax Narcotics and Gang Taskforce, a partnership between RRPD and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, as well as our federal law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The dedication of each.” 

Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis said, “Over the past three years we have built an excellent relationship with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. We have used this partnership to go after those who are terrorizing our community.”

Davis said, “Drugs and gangs are a problem in Halifax County and a vast majority of our murders, violent crimes and non-violent crimes are directly related to drugs and gangs. In partnership with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, our drug and gang task force works tirelessly to ensure our communities are safer. Our agents will build strong, detailed cases. The chief and I take a tough stance on drugs and gangs.”

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force began investigating Ireland in 2022 after sources identified him as a major drug supplier. 

Officers observed him making short visits to suspected drug houses in North Carolina and Virginia and interacting with known traffickers.

In February 2024, agents executed a search warrant at his home on Valley Drive, the sheriff’s office said at the time. 

When they arrived, law enforcement observed Ireland exit out the back door and toss two backpacks into the neighboring yard before returning inside. 

Inside the bags, investigators found more than 1,500 grams of cocaine and 300 grams of fentanyl. 

A search of Ireland’s home uncovered nearly 250 grams of marijuana, digital scales, more than $38,000 in cash, and four firearms — including two stolen handguns and a rifle with a high-capacity magazine.