California Gang Member Linked to Criminal Activities in Florida Received a 20-Year Sentence

A man from Los Angeles, who has a long criminal record and connections to Florida, received a 20-year federal prison sentence for trying to smuggle 46 kilograms of methamphetamine through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. On Friday, officials revealed the sentencing of 47-year-old Rashad Jamal Blanchard, who is affiliated with the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods.

Blanchard has a criminal history that covers four states: North Carolina, California, Florida, and Virginia. This record includes prior felony convictions for carjacking and bank robbery. A man, already on probation for a bank robbery conviction, found himself in handcuffs at the Charlotte airport. He is also dealing with ongoing charges in California related to the alleged possession of nearly four pounds of methamphetamine and discharging a firearm during a confrontation.

On February 1, 2023, a significant operation was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alongside the Queen City Regional Border Security Task Force, leading to the interception of Blanchard’s drug trafficking activities at the Charlotte airport. Upon landing from a flight originating in Los Angeles, Blanchard checked in four suitcases. Authorities discovered that three of these bags contained vacuum-sealed packages of methamphetamine cleverly concealed within comforters. Inside these three suitcases, authorities discovered a staggering 34.6 kilograms of the illicit substance. A fourth suitcase was picked up from baggage claim by someone else and subsequently located by law enforcement. This suitcase held an extra 11.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, increasing the overall total to 46 kilograms.

Blanchard’s ties to Florida came to light through his criminal background, as officials outlined his activities across multiple states, which featured previous arrests and convictions for violent crimes and drug-related offenses.

In November 2023, Blanchard entered a guilty plea for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Alongside his 20-year prison term, he is set to undergo five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Dena J. King, joined by HSI Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant and CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, commended the teamwork of the Queen City Regional Border Security Task Force in halting Blanchard’s operation. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Kent.