Chadbourn man arrested on drug and firearm charges following months-long investigation

CHADBOURN, NC (WWAY) — A Chadbourn man is facing multiple drug and firearm charges after a months-long narcotics investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at his home, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators with the sheriff’s office Special Operations Vice/Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant July 13 at a residence on Williams Road following an investigation that included multiple controlled purchases of illegal narcotics from the home, the sheriff’s office said.

During the search, investigators, assisted by the Criminal Investigation Division, said they recovered suspected illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia and several firearms hidden inside the residence.

Authorities also reported finding a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch,” as well as a handgun that had been reported stolen in South Carolina.

As a result of the investigation, deputies arrested Juwarn Andre Britt Jr. He is charged with:

• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance
• Maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for keeping or selling controlled substances
• Possession of a weapon of mass destruction
• Possession of a stolen firearm
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

According to the sheriff’s office, Britt was given a $15,000 secured bond.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. Officials said the agency’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives task force officer is continuing to investigate the recovered stolen firearm and the machine gun conversion device.

“This investigation demonstrates the importance of proactive enforcement and the commitment of our Special Operations Vice/Narcotics Unit,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a news release. “Illegal narcotics and unlawfully possessed firearms create serious dangers within our communities. We will continue using every available resource and working with our law enforcement partners to identify criminal activity, remove dangerous items from our streets and hold offenders accountable.”

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through the agency’s mobile app.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.