Multiple law enforcement agencies joined the Columbus Sheriff’s Office in bringing some “heat” on narcotics suspects across the area Monday
After a months-long narcotics investigation dubbed Operation Heat Wave, deputies fanned out across the county to serve multiple search and arrest warrants. They seized narcotics, firearms and cash form multiple properties, according to a press release.
Operation Heat Wave involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), North Carolina Probation and Parole, the District Attorney’s Office, Whiteville Police Department, and assistance from Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. One of the suspects arrested near Clarkton sold opiates and methamphetamine to undercover operatives from both counties. (See related story)
The operation was spearheaded by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Division and began in November 2024, Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a press release. Its primary objective was to stop the flow of narcotics and weapons into the area and eliminate sources of drug activity, especially those threatening young people.
The operation was named “Heat Wave” not only in reference to the surge in arrests and enforcement, but also to acknowledge the record-breaking environmental conditions during its execution. This week, Columbus County has been under an Extreme Heat Advisory, with temperatures soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity ranging from 80–90 percent, and heat indices reaching upwards of 120 degrees.
“The summer heat isn’t just in the air—it’s in the pressure we’re applying to drug dealers in Columbus County,” Rogers said. “While others sought relief from the heat, our deputies turned it up. We will not allow poison to be sold in our parks, near our schools, or in our neighborhoods.
“We’re committed to protecting our citizens—especially our children—and we will continue to hold traffickers and dealers accountable.”
Individuals arrested in connection with Operation Heat Wave from Columbus County include:
Kenneth Bowen, Joseph Stephens, Kimberly Deana Stephens, James Frederick Hinson, Joe Allen Formyduval Jr., Lindsay Morgan Smith, Antonio Devon Smith, James Nathan Stephens, Demonte Lamar Wilcox, John Burvie Spivey Jr., Corey James Harrison, Crystal Dawn O’Neal, Carlos Deon Register, Andre Delmas Shipman, Rashad Outlaw, Maurio Sanches Gause, Charles Sharod Canty, Eric Scott, Andrea Pone, and Douglas Reason. Kenneth Bowen was charged and arrested in Bladen and Columbus counties. Cameron Amarlon Blanks, and Sabrina Annette Blanks were charged in Bladen.
Throughout the course of the investigation and execution phase, deputies uncovered numerous instances of illegal drug sales and activity taking place in public spaces, including community parks, near school grounds, and recreational facilities. These factors made the operation even more urgent, Rogers said.
Operation Heat Wave resulted in charges and arrests of 25 individuals—22 from Columbus County and three from Bladen County. Two additional individuals are currently wanted in connection to this operation. Their identities will remain undisclosed until they are jailed.
The charges filed during this operation include:
‣ Felony charges (Total: 184)
• Trafficking, Opium or Heroin – 45
• Trafficking in Methamphetamine – 6
• Conspire to Traffic, Opium or Heroin – 22
• Conspire to Traffic in Methamphetamine – 10
• Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine – 6
• Sell/Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance – 2
• Sell/Deliver Schedule III Controlled Substance – 2
• Sell/Deliver Cocaine – 4
• Conspire to Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine – 4
• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver (PWIMSD) Heroin – 2
• PWIMSD Methamphetamine – 6
• PWIMSD Cocaine – 3
• PWIMSD Schedule I – 2
• PWIMSD Schedule II – 14
• PWIMSD Schedule III – 1
• PWIMSD Schedule VI – 3
• Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance – 20
• Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess Controlled Substance within 1,000 feet of Park – 3
• Within 1,000 feet of School – 3
• Within 1,000 feet of Child Care Center – 1
• Possession of Methamphetamine – 1
• Felony Possession of Cocaine – 3
• Felony Aid and Abet – 4
• Possession of Firearm by Felon – 3
• Possession of Stolen Firearm – 4
• Possession of Weapon of Mass Destruction – 3
‣ Misdemeanor charges (Total: 26)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 14
• Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia – 2
• Simple Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance – 1
• Carrying Concealed Gun – 2
• Resisting a Public Officer – 1
• Traffic Violations – 5
• Alcohol Violations – 1
‣ Probation/Parole violations
• Probation Violation – 1
• Post Release/Parole Violation – 1
‣Outstanding warrants
• Orders for Arrest – 4
• Warrants for Arrest – 2
Three targeted search warrants were executed as part of the operation:
• In a search warrant against Maurio Sanches Gause, deputies filed eight felony charges, including
multiple counts of Possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine and Marijuana, and Maintaining a Dwelling. Misdemeanor Charges included possession of drug and marijuana paraphernalia
• In a search warrant against Rashad Outlaw, deputies filed six felony charges: PWIMSD Schedule II, PWISD Marijuana, possession of Cocaine, possessing/selling drugs near a school, and maintaining a dwelling.
Misdemeanor Charges included four charges of drug and marijuana paraphernalia.
• In the search warrant against Kenneth Bowen in Bladen County, Bowen was charged with PWIMSD Schedule opiates, meth and marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling. He also faces misdemeanor charges of simple possession of marijuana, maintaining a dwelling for drug activities, and possession of paraphernalia. (See related story).
Rogers thanked the assisting agencies for their help on Heat Wave.
“The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest thanks to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, whose team played a critical role in executing warrants and making arrests. We also thank our partners at the ATF, the District Attorney’s Office, Whiteville Police Department, and North Carolina Probation and Parole. This operation is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when law enforcement agencies work together for the safety of our communities,” he said in a press release.
“Our Vice and Narcotics Division will not stop,” Rogers added. “This is just the beginning of our summer enforcement efforts. We will keep the pressure on—because our families, our schools, and our neighborhoods deserve to live free from the poison of drugs and violence.” The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the public, upholding justice, and ensuring that those who seek to harm our communities are held accountable.
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