A Henderson man was sentenced to almost 27 years in federal prison after he was identified as the leader in a drug trafficking scheme into North Carolina. 

Alexander Trowbridge, 41, also known as "Snow" is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to sell more than 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 2.2 pounds of heroin. 

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In August 2019, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Henderson Police Department, began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in Henderson. 

Law enforcement officers identified Trowbridge as the leader of the organization through purchasing drugs from him and using electronic surveillance. 

Police said heroin and fentanyl was hidden in various places inside three Henderson residents. They conducted searches at 56 Kelly Road, 100 Kelly Road, and 66 Pinecone Lane. They used drones to monitor the area, and found members of the organization often drive between the residents to make drug sales.

During the searches on the three properties, authorities seized the following:

66 Pinecone Lane:

  • 28 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture stamped with a "Toy Story" emblem
    • Four shotguns and Four rifles
      • A loaded 9mm handgun
        • A 31-round magazine
          • A .45-caliber handgun
            • Multiple firearm magazines, including a drum magazine
              • More than 2,000 rounds of assorted ammunition

                56 Kelly Road:

                • A .40-caliber firearm
                  • A large-capacity magazine
                    • 25 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition
                      • Four rounds of .38-caliber ammunition
                        • $10,304 in US currency
                          • A stolen firearm

                            100 Kelly Road:

                            • A loaded rifle
                              • $88,931 in US currency
                                • A loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine
                                  • 80 grams of heroin and fentanyl stamped with a "Toy Story" emblem

                                    Several members of the drug trafficking organization have already been convicted and sentenced in federal court. 

                                    1. Bridgett Burrows: seven and a half year sentence

                                    2. Marques D. Gray: eight-year sentence

                                    3. Daquan Lovely: eight-years and one month

                                    4. Joseph Trowbridge: seven year sentences 

                                    5. Dwayne Trowbridge: eight years 

                                    “This sentence reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies working together to hold those who traffic fentanyl accountable,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Through strong partnerships and coordinated enforcement, we will continue disrupting the flow of this deadly drug and doing everything we can to keep our communities safe. Together, we are working toward a Fentanyl Free America.”