Three suspects are in custody after an “extensive, ongoing investigation” into drug activities near Tabor City.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s office reported that William Antwan Gaskins, 33; Douglas Wilson Branton, 41; and Terrance James Thomas, 33 were arrested Tuesday after a joint operation by Vice Narcotics investigators, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and firearms. This operation was supported by the Special Operations Division, including the Heavy Enforcement Action Team (H.E.A.T.) and SWAT, along with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
The “targeted operation stemming from an extensive, ongoing investigation into illegal narcotics distribution and unlawful firearm possession in the Tabor City area,” the press release said.
The months-long investigation involved surveillance, investigations and undercover buys from alleged dealers.
“Authorities identified individuals believed to be involved in large-scale distribution of illegal narcotics throughout Tabor City, surrounding communities, and into portions of South Carolina,” the release said.
Authorities seized approximately one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, eleven firearms, and additional quantities of opiates, cocaine and marijuana.
Gaskins, of 323 West Fourth St., Tabor City, faces 12 counts of trafficking in meth, two of trafficking in opiates/heroin, there of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver meth, one of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl; manufacturing meth; sale and delivery of opiates; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, opiates and marijuana. He was also charged with maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, and five counts of sale, delivery or possession of drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.
Gaskins was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of a weapon of mass destruction. He was processed into the county detention center at 2:44 a.m. today (April 15), according to jail records.
Warrants show that on multiple occasions, Gaskins is alleged to have had multiple quantities of illegal drugs in a camper trailer at his residence. When he was arrested, warrants show he was allegedly in possession of two stolen handguns (a Sig Sauer and a Glock 17) along with a short-barreled AR-15 and a 12 gauge shotgun. The serial number on the shotgun had also been altered, warrants show. Gaskins was previously convicted of burglary in 2016, and was sentenced to five years in prison.
His bond was set at $1.3 million.
Branton, whose address was listed as 3232 W. Fourth and 1441 Nathan Dr., Loris, was held under $50,000 secured bond, charged with one count each of possession of fentanyl and cocaine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for drug activities, and drug paraphernalia.
Thomas was charged with one felony county of littering hazardous waste and one of resisting an officer. His bond was set at $10,000. His address was listed as 1742 Shug Norris Rd., Tabor City. He allegedly threw away a quantity of drugs while fleeing officers attempting to arrest him, according to warrants.
Sheriff Bill Rogers commended the dedication of investigators involved in the case.
“Our Vice/Narcotics Investigators dedicated countless hours to surveillance and undercover operations to ensure this investigation was conducted thoroughly and safely,” Rogers said. “These arrests highlight the strength of interagency collaboration and demonstrate how the effective use of shared resources leads to safer communities and successful outcomes.”
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious or criminal activity. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Submit-A-Tip feature at:
https://columbussheriff.com/submit-a-tip
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