08/20/2025
Multi-year investigation by FBI, Fayetteville Police, and partners extinguished the reign of Courtney Linwood “Blaze” Matthews, 40, of Fayetteville, as he was sentenced to prison for this major drug trafficker.
Multi-year investigation by FBI, Fayetteville Police, and partners ends with prison sentence for major drug trafficker
RALEIGH, N.C. – Courtney Linwood “Blaze” Matthews, 40, of Fayetteville, was sentenced today in federal court to 40 years in prison for his role as the leader of a multi-year drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing more than 839 kilograms of co***ne, 9.5 kilograms of he**in, and 3.4 kilograms of fentanyl across Eastern North Carolina. Matthews, who laundered drug proceeds through vehicle purchases and other assets, also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
“Linwood “Blaze” Matthews pleaded guilty to possessing and selling enough fentanyl to kill most of Fayetteville along with 9.5 kg of he**in and 839 kg of co***ne which is 1,854 pounds and is nearly the weight of a Mitsubishi Mirage,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Blaze flooded the area with dangerous opioids and narcotics that hurt Fayetteville families. Now thanks to their tireless work, our law enforcement partners have put that fire out making the community safer.”
“The amount of illegal drugs “Blaze” Matthews is responsible for pumping into our community is staggering. The FBI and our partners are unwavering in our fight against violent crime on our streets,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other law enforcement agencies identified Matthews as the head of a large-scale drug trafficking organization. The investigation established that Matthews was one of the most high-volume drug dealers in the area, coordinating with multiple co-conspirators to import and distribute kilograms of co***ne, he**in, and fentanyl in Cumberland and Robeson counties. Matthews had previously been convicted of conspiracy to distribute co***ne, co***ne base, and ma*****na in the Eastern District of North Carolina in 2008.
In September of 2023, law enforcement was able to conduct a controlled purchase of one kilogram of co***ne from Matthews and co-defendant Anthony Mack at a residence owned by Matthews in Fayetteville. During the spring of 2024, investigators used tools to track Matthews’ source of supply and distribution network. During the investigation, agents seized significant quantities of drugs, drug packaging material, more than $213,000 in cash, fi****ms, and business records showing Matthews was funneling drug money into vehicles and other assets. Evidence showed Matthews wasn’t just moving drugs; he was running a car rental business with assets purchased with drug proceeds, directing others, keeping stash houses, and making sure his operation kept pumping narcotics into the community.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00177-D-1.
