WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) – A Whiteville man was arrested Thursday after deputies searched a home as part of a months-long drug investigation, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said.
Christopher Jerome Taylor, 49, was arrested after investigators searched a home at 402 W. Lewis St. in Whiteville.
The sheriff’s office said detectives made several controlled drug purchases during the investigation. Investigators said they found illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and several firearms during the search.
Taylor was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine and marijuana.
He also was charged with three counts of possessing, manufacturing, selling or delivering a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school. Additional charges include maintaining a place used to keep or sell controlled substances and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Taylor was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond.
The investigation involved the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit, the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division, the Whiteville Police Department and the Border Belt Drug Task Force. Officials said the investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Columbus County can call 910-642-6551 or submit an anonymous tip through the sheriff’s office mobile app. Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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