County drug agents arrested an alleged dealer in a “date rape” drug during a patrol in Whiteville Tuesday (July 14).
Kenneth Burgess Jr., 21, was charged with felony possession of cocaine and MDMA, destroying evidence, and drug paraphernalia. He was held under $100,000 secured bond. Detention records show his address as 5708 Ten Mile Rd., Tabor City.
In a press release the sheriff’s office said Vice/Narcotics investigators were patrolling Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Whiteville when they spotted Burgess’ vehicle. The driver was exhibiting “activity consistent with criminal behavior,” the release said, so the detectives initiated a traffic stop.
As they approached the vehicle, the release said the detectives “detected an odor associated with illegal narcotics.” Burgess, who was in the passenger seat, was “making movements toward the console and beneath his seat.”
Detectives found a torn plastic bag containing a white powder that had been emptied into a cup in the console, the release said, “in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.” While Burgess was being searched, detectives discovered a quantity of MDMA, known as Ecstasy. MDMA is called a “date rape” drug because it causes euphoria and memory loss.
“Our Special Operations detectives remain committed to proactively identifying and addressing illegal drug activity throughout Columbus County,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said. “These operations are an important part of protecting our communities and holding individuals accountable when criminal activity is discovered.”
