A New London man was one of 16 suspects indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges for their involvement in a drug distribution ring.

Tommy Warren Boyett, 33, was the only one charged in Stanly County or the immediate area. One other lived in Tennessee. Fourteen of those indicted reside farther west in the state and where the drug distribution mostly occurred.

“The 16 individuals charged in the criminal indictment are alleged to have been part of a drug ring that distributed methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in Western North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate drug traffickers and dismantle drug networks that feed the deadly cycle of drug abuse, and jeopardize the safety and stability of our communities.”

Between 2014 and August 2018, the defendants operated a drug ring that trafficked methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuna centered in and around Catawba County. Other drug distribution went beyond the state into Georgia, Texas, California, Illinois and Mexico, according to the allegations in the indictment.

Each defendant in the indictment is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a monetary fine of up to $10 million.

Contact Ritchie Starnes at 704-754-5076 or ritchie.starnes@stanlynewspress.com.