Two arrested in Wilmington drug trafficking bust – News – Wilmington Star News

Police estimate pair had enough material for 8,500 bags of fentanyl

WILMINGTON — A New Jersey man and Wilmington woman face drug trafficking charges stemming from a months-long investigation in Wilmington.

Jamie Baker, 43, of New Jersey, and Cherelle Autry, 29, were in a car pulled over by Wilmington police Friday in the 5200 block of Market Street. According to a news release from the Wilmington Police Department, officers had a warrant out for Baker’s arrest on a charge of possession with intent to sell/distribute cocaine.

In the car, officers found 121 grams of cocaine, 101 grams of fentanyl analog — a powerful synthetic opioid, and 60 grams of a cutting agent, according to the release. Police estimate that if the fentanyl and cutting agent were combined, they would amount to 8,500 bags of product to be sold on the street.

“Cutting agents are typically used to lessen the purity of a product, while increasing profits by adding more weight,” the release states.

Both were charged with two counts of trafficking opiates, two counts of trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell/distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to sell/distribute a Schedule II controlled substance. Autry was also charged with possession of marijuana.

Both were booked into the New Hanover County jail with bail set at $1.5 million. Baker received an additional bond of $15,000 for the original cocaine charge.

Reporter Cammie Bellamy can be reached at Cammie.Bellamy@StarNewsOnline.com.