CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - North Carolina, Western), published as received.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man charged with selling fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms, and a “Glock switch,” appeared in federal court today, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Last week, a federal grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against Abdul Abdullah, 42. Abdullah had his initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark T. Odulio following his arrest on Wednesday.
“Firearms and drug trafficking are a dangerous combination, and we have seen the deadly effects when the two are put together,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We are working to save lives by removing fatal drugs from our streets and taking guns from those who peddle them.”
“When traffickers move fentanyl and methamphetamine while arming themselves with guns and conversion switches, they endanger every neighborhood they touch,” said Mark M. Zito, special agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “HSI Carolinas will keep working with our partners to disrupt the criminal networks and individuals who traffic deadly drugs and weapons in the Carolinas.”
According to allegations in the indictment, from September 2025 to June 2026, Abdullah distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charlotte area. It is further alleged that, on at least two occasions, Abdullah possessed an illegal firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. The indictment also alleges that, in September 2025, Abdullah sold a gold-colored machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “Glock switch” or “switch,” which is a device that transforms a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun.
Abdullah is in federal custody. He is charged with six counts of distribution of fentanyl, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of transfer of a machinegun. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any imposed sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department led the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
