Updated 5 p.m.
Seven people were jailed Tuesday after county drug agents raided a home less than a block from the Whiteville city hall complex.
The raid Tuesday evening turned up cocaine, crack, marijuana, heroin, and prescription drugs, according to the sheriff’s office.
Chief Deputy Aaron Herring said the search warrant at 204 East Columbus Street was the result of complaints by residents.
“People told us they frequently saw open air drug activity going on at the address,” Herring said.
Dubbed “Operation Community Watch,” numerous complaints to the sheriff’s office tip line led investigators to begin surveillance on the home in early April. An undercover informant purchased heroin at the home, according to a press release.
The home at 204 E. Columbus is a stone’s throw from two churches — Vineland Presbyterian Church, at the intersection of Franklin and Columbus streets, and Grace of God Ministries at 219 E. Columbus. The home is one property away from an adult day care center.
Vice Narcotics investigators, the county SWAT team, command and patrol divisions hit the home around 9 p.m. Tuesday. During the search, more than two ounces of “crack” cocaine and cocaine base, 10.35 grams of heroin, 52 grams of marijuana, five dosage units of Xanax, six Buprenorphine strips, digital scales, packaging material, and $1,700 dollars in cash were seized.
Each of the suspects was charged with trafficking in heroin and cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver prescription drugs (Xanax and buprenorphine); and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, according to arrest reports.
Kahadiajah Baldwin, and Travis Lee Brazell. (CCSO)
Those charged included:
Kahadiajah Baldwin, 28, was held under $1,025,000 secured bond.
Eugene Tobey Hunter, 36, also gave his address as 204 E. Columbus. His bond was set at $1 million.
Priest Junior Arthur Jr., 47, also faces a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $1 million. His address was listed as Brunswick Place Apartments, Apt. 60, Whiteville.
Travis Lee Brazell, 45, 418 E. Columbus St., Whiteville, was also held on $1,025,000 secured bond.
Lucorey Andre Gause, 39, gave his address as 124 Chappin St., Chadbourn. His bond was set at $1,025,000.
Christopher McClure, 30, of 262 Grist Rd., Chadbourn, was also charged with a probation violation. His bond was set at $1,060,000. McClure is awaiting trial on multiple charges of breaking, entering and larceny, as well as resisting an officer, from a 2021 arrest.
Sheila Kay Newell, 42, of 1266 Microwave Tower Rd., Council, was held under $1,005,000 secured bond.
Sheriff Jody Greene said that the partnership between the Columbus County citizens and the Sheriff’s Office is vital in the successful apprehension of individuals involved in criminal activities.
