25 people arrested in large-scale drug bust by Columbus County Sheriff’s Office

COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - 25 people were arrested and charged after a months-long drug operation called ‘Operation Heat Wave’, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

CCSO says the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), North Carolina Probation and Parole, the District Attorney’s Office, Whiteville Police Department, and Bladen County Sheriff’s Office helped serve search warrants, make arrests, and seize illegal drugs and firearms across the Cape Fear Region.

CCSO stated its vice/narcotics division spearheaded the operation, which began in Nov. 2024.

“Its primary objective: to stop the flow of dangerous narcotics and weapons into our communities and eliminate sources of drug activity, especially those threatening our youth,” CCSO said.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers says the office is committed to protecting citizens and will hold traffickers and dealers accountable.

“We will not allow poison to be sold in our parks, near our schools, or in our neighborhoods,” Rogers said.

CCSO says throughout the investigation, deputies allegedly found numerous instances of illegal drug sales and activity taking place in public spaces like parks, near school grounds, and recreational facilities.

On June 23, 25 people were arrested and charged due to the investigation. 22 were from Columbus County and three were from Bladen County.

CCSO says two people are currently wanted in connection with the operation.

According to CCSO, 184 felony and 26 misdemeanor charges were filed.

Felony Charges:

• 45 counts of trafficking, Opium or Heroin
• Six counts of trafficking in Methamphetamine
• 22 counts of conspire to Traffic, Opium or Heroin
• 10 counts of conspire to Traffic in Methamphetamine
• Six counts of sell/deliver Methamphetamine
• Two counts of sell/deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance
• Two counts of sell/deliver Schedule III Controlled Substance
• Four counts of sell/deliver Cocaine
• Four counts of conspire to sell/deliver Methamphetamine
• Two counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Heroin
• Six counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine
• Three counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Cocaine
• Two counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule I controlled substance
• 14 counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule II
• One count of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule III
• Three counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver PWIMSD Schedule VI
• 20 counts of Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substance
• Three counts of Manufacture/Sell/Deliver/Possess Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of Park
• Three counts of Within 1000 feet of School
• One count of Within 1000 feet of Child Care Center
• One count of Possession of Methamphetamine
• Three counts of Felony Possession of Cocaine
• Four counts of Felony Aid and Abet
• Three counts of Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Four counts of Possession of Stolen Firearm
• Three counts of Possession of Weapon of Mass Destruction

Misdemeanor Charges:

• 14 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Two counts of Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
• One count of Simple Possession of Schedule III Controlled Substance
• Two counts of Carrying a Concealed Gun
• One count of Resisting a Public Officer
• Five counts of Traffic Violations
• One count of Alcohol Violations

Probation/ Parole Violations:

• One Probation Violation
• One Post Release/Parole Violations

Outstanding Processes served:

• Four Orders for Arrest
• Two Warrants for Arrest

CCSO says that three targeted search warrants were executed:

• Maurio Sanches Gause
  • Eight Felony Charges
    • Multiple counts of Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule I, II, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana, and Maintaining a Dwelling
  • Two Misdemeanor Charges
    • Possession of Drug and Marijuana Paraphernalia
• Rashad Outlaw
  • Six Felony Charges:
    • Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule II
    • Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Marijuana
    • Felony Possession of Cocaine, Proximity Violation near School
    • Maintaining a Dwelling
  • Four Misdemeanor Charges
    • Drug and Marijuana Paraphernalia
• Kenneth Bowen (Bladen County)
  • Four Felony Charges:
    • Possession With the Intent to Manufacture, Sell or Deliver Schedule II and VI
    • Maintaining a Dwelling
  • Six Misdemeanor Charges
    • Simple Possession of Schedule VI
      • Maintaining Dwelling (Misdemeanor)
      • Paraphernalia Possession

Individuals arrested in connection with Operation Heatwave in Columbus County:

• 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
• Douglas Reason

Bladen County:

• Kenneth Bowen (charged and arrested in both counties)
• Cameron Amarlon Blanks
• Sabrina Annette Blanks

“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,” CCSO said.