Joshua McClain: NC man sentenced over 15 years for trafficking fentanyl, drugs found hidden in ironing board at hotel, DOJ says
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A Raleigh man was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and meth out of a hotel room.
Investigators began monitoring Joshua McClain, 31, in January 2024 after suspecting drug activity at a Raleigh motel, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Officers observed a vehicle leaving the motel after a suspected drug deal and pulled it over shortly afterward. McClain, the driver, was found to have outstanding warrants. A search of the vehicle uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Joshua McClain, 31, was sentenced for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and meth out of a NC hotel room.
U.S. Department of Justice
After being released on bond, McClain went to a hotel in Cary where he had been staying, where hotel staff later discovered multiple bags of narcotics hidden inside the lining of an ironing board. The drugs included fentanyl, ANPP (a precursor chemical used to make fentanyl), and other controlled substances.
In March 2024, while being processed at the Wake County Detention Center, officers found additional drugs hidden on McClain’s body, including fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and cocaine.
“Fentanyl traffickers take lives across our communities, and dealers like McClain – who repeatedly return to this trade – fuel that crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct and reinforces our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the public and hold repeat offenders accountable.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Cary Police Department, the Holly Springs Police Department and the Raleigh Police Department investigated the case.
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