Fayetteville, North Carolina – A 26-year-old man with a long criminal record is facing multiple felony charges after police say they uncovered illegal drugs and firearms inside a residence in Fayetteville earlier this month.
According to the Fayetteville Police Department, officers arrested Matthew Ellis McQueen, 26, on December 8 while executing an outstanding warrant related to drug activity. The warrant accused McQueen of felonious maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of keeping and selling a controlled substance, a charge often associated with ongoing drug distribution operations.
Arrest Leads to Search of Fayetteville Residence
Shortly after McQueen’s arrest, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at his residence located in the 1800 block of Tryon Drive, police said. During the search, officers reportedly located and seized multiple items connected to illegal drug activity and weapons possession.
Authorities said the search resulted in the recovery of:
- Two firearms, one of which was reported stolen
- 1.93 grams of fentanyl
- 119 grams of marijuana
Police noted that McQueen is a convicted felon, which makes possession of any firearm illegal under state and federal law.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
As a result of the investigation, McQueen now faces several charges, including:
- Maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of keeping and selling a controlled substance (two counts)
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
Investigators said the charges reflect both the quantity of drugs found and McQueen’s prior criminal convictions, which elevate the severity of the case.
Extensive Criminal History Outlined by Police
Police records show that McQueen has a lengthy criminal history involving drug offenses and firearms.
In July 2021, McQueen was convicted of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, according to Fayetteville police. Following that conviction, he was placed on probation.
Approximately eight months later, police said McQueen violated the terms of his probation and served 90 days in confinement as a result.
Federal Prison Sentence in 2023
McQueen’s legal troubles continued into April 2023, when he received a 36-month federal prison sentence. Police said the federal case included charges related to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a serious offense under federal law.
Despite the sentence, McQueen was later released from federal custody on December 26, 2024, and placed on supervised release under federal probation, police confirmed.
Authorities say the most recent arrest occurred while McQueen was still under supervision, which could potentially impact his federal probation status.
Fentanyl Remains a Major Public Safety Concern
Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin. Even small amounts can be lethal, and officers say its presence in local communities continues to drive overdose deaths and violent crime.
Police emphasized that seizures involving fentanyl often prompt heightened concern due to the risk it poses not only to users but also to first responders who may be exposed during arrests or searches.
Community Impact and Ongoing Enforcement
The Fayetteville Police Department stated that investigations like this one are part of an ongoing effort to target repeat offenders, illegal drug distribution, and unlawful firearm possession within residential neighborhoods.
Officials have encouraged residents to report suspicious activity, emphasizing that community tips often play a key role in identifying locations used for drug storage or sales.
Current Custody Status
McQueen is currently being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center, where he remains under a $20,000 secured bond, according to police.
The case remains active, and additional legal consequences may follow depending on court proceedings and any potential federal probation violations.
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