A lengthy investigation led to several arrests and the seizure of more than two kilos of cocaine, 400 grams of heroin, several guns and more than $180,000 in cash.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice Narcotics/Gang Unit agencies started looking into Virgil Brown in October 2020 and discovered that he was receiving and distributing large amounts of cocaine and heroin in and around Wilmington.

In search of his vehicle, investigators found about 5,000 bags of heroin and approximately 1 kilo of cocaine, and at his home detectives about $18,000 and multiple firearms.

Brown has pending charges for trafficking in heroin and cocaine, conspiracy to traffic heroin and cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The investigation also determined that Hugo Nunez-Jaimes was Brown's supplier.

On July 2 in Columbus County, about 1,140g of cocaine and around $1,000 was seized and Nunez-Jaimes, Lourdes Dixon and Alexander Shellman were arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the investigation, detectives seized over 2,000g of cocaine, about 20,000 bags of heroin, six guns – one of which had been reported stolen -- and approximately $180,000.

Tracy Myers, Christopher Wilson and Khalil Morris were also arrested as a result of this investigation while conspiring with Virgil Brown and officials said both Morris and Wilson are validated gang members.