Arrests made after undercover drug investigations

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit has arrested two men after under cover drug investigations.

According to officials, 64-year-old Wayland Eugene “Bear” Hardin and 56-year-old Larry Kim Strickland were arrested for distributing controlled substances after detectives made undercover purchases from them.

Detectives say after complaints from citizens, they launched investigations, and made undercover purchases of Oxycodone and Clonazepam tablets from Hardin and cocaine from Strickland.

Hardin faces charges of trafficking opium/heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule 4 substances, sell and deliver a schedule 4 controlled substance, and maintaining a vehicle to keep and sell controlled substances. He is being held at the Columbus County Detention Center under a $62,500 bond.

Officials say Strickland is being charged with possession and intent to sell and deliver cocaine, sell and deliver cocaine, and maintaining a dwelling to keep and sell controlled substances. He is being held at the Columbus County Detention Center under a $26,000 bond.