By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
WHITEVILLE, N.C. — An alert passerby exposed a drug smuggling operation, after noticing “suspicious individuals” cruising the neighborhood, according to investigators in eastern North Carolina.
It happened in a rural area south of Whiteville, which is also home to the Columbus Correctional Institution, a medium security prison.
“Deputies ... responded to the Harrelsonville Road area after receiving a report of multiple individuals trespassing near the correctional institution. The caller provided deputies with descriptions of the individuals and a vehicle,” the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 20 news release.
“Deputies located a vehicle matching the description near Columbus Correctional Institution and conducted an investigative stop.”
Four men were in the vehicle, along with a drone and: 38.69 grams of suspected THC wax or resin; 2 grams of marijuana; 17.44 grams of suspected K2 paper, and 6.32 grams of sublingual film, officials said.
K2 is a trade name “for synthetic designer drugs that are intended to mimic THC,” and sublingual film is placed under the tongue for treatment for opioid addiction, federal officials say.
“As the investigation continued, vice/narcotics detectives reviewed monitored telephone calls involving inmates housed at Columbus Correctional Institution,” the sheriff’s office said. “Investigators identified multiple conversations referencing the planned delivery of narcotics using a drone, including discussions concerning the types and quantities of substances to be delivered.”
The four men were arrested and face charges including trafficking opium or heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances, felony conspiracy and felony maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, officials said.
“This investigation demonstrates the importance of citizens promptly reporting suspicious activity,” the sheriff’s office said.
Columbus Correctional Institution is about a 121-mile drive south of downtown Raleigh.
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