Whiteville man faces drug charges after months-long narcotics investigation

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville man is facing multiple drug charges after a months-long narcotics investigation led to a search warrant at a home on West Lewis Street.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office says its Special Operations Vice/Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, Whiteville Police Department and members of the Border Belt Drug Task Force searched a home at 402 W. Lewis St. on Oct. 8.

Investigators say the search followed several controlled drug purchases made during the investigation.

The sheriff’s office says detectives found illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia and several firearms concealed inside the residence.

Christopher Jerome Taylor, 49, of Whiteville, was taken into custody.

Taylor is charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana; and three counts of manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.

He is also charged with maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for keeping or selling controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s office says Taylor received a $25,000 unsecured bond.

Investigators say the case remains ongoing and that they are continuing to look into whether other people were involved in the distribution of narcotics.

The charges are allegations, and Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.