Feds take over drug bust investigation

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County Sheriff’s Deputies made a big drug bust last night. After a two-month undercover investigation, deputies seized more than 45 pounds of marijuana, stolen weapons and money. Deputies say the drugs were worth more than $100,000.

William Banister, 47, is charged with multiple counts of drug and weapon offenses, including trafficking marijuana. Federal investigators are now handling the case because drugs and firearms were involved.

Bannister is in the New Hanover County jail under a $1.5 million bond.