Whiteville man arrested on cocaine, MDMA charges after traffic stop
WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville man is facing multiple felony drug charges after a traffic stop conducted by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Vice/Narcotics Unit led to the discovery of suspected cocaine and MDMA, according to Sheriff W.A. Rogers.
The arrest stems from an investigation on July 14, when detectives were conducting proactive patrol and surveillance operations near Martin Luther King Avenue in Whiteville. Detectives reported observing activity they believed was consistent with criminal conduct before initiating a lawful traffic stop.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives detected an odor they associated with illegal narcotics as they approached the vehicle. During the stop, a passenger, identified as Kenneth Burgess Jr., was allegedly seen reaching toward the vehicle’s center console and underneath his seat.
Investigators said the circumstances of the stop provided probable cause to search the vehicle. During that search, detectives reportedly found a torn plastic bag containing a white powdery substance that had been emptied into a cup of liquid inside the center console, which investigators believe was an attempt to destroy evidence.
Authorities said Burgess was detained while detectives continued their investigation. A subsequent search of his person allegedly uncovered an additional quantity of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
Burgess was arrested without incident and transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center.
He has been charged with:
- Felony Possession of Cocaine
- Felony Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance
- Felony Altering, Stealing or Destroying Criminal Evidence
- Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Burgess was given a $100,000 secured bond.
“Our Special Operations detectives remain committed to proactively identifying and addressing illegal drug activity throughout Columbus County,” Sheriff Rogers said in a statement. “These operations are an important part of protecting our communities and holding individuals accountable when criminal activity is discovered.”
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to proactive enforcement and encourages residents to report suspicious activity by contacting the agency directly or submitting anonymous tips through the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The charges against Burgess are allegations, and his case will be decided through the judicial process.
