Deputies net prescription drugs in bust

Three Brunswick County residents are behind bars after a late-night drug bust. The sheriff’s Drug Enforcement Unit says this bust is among one of the biggest it’s had.

After searching three different homes, the drug unit confiscated about 850 prescription pills. They also seized marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a pick-up truck. Deputies arrested 39-year-old Jeff Long, 46-Year-old Donna Moore and 50-year-old Jackie McKeithan Tuesday night. Their charges include maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, drug trafficking and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Investigators say the pills were legally obtained from doctors and illegally from others involved in the pill ring. Sgt. Israel West is part of the undercover operation that made the bust Tuesday night. He says these types of pills are easy for people to get their hands on.

“Prescription pills are the number one drug that we work right now,” West said. “I also believe the economy probably has a lot to do with it. In a depressed state, it’s a lot of money to be made. The network’s established. The people become known, and they sell to one person. This person says, ‘Hey. This is where I can get it.’ They build that relationship and trust, and then they go buy it.”

Long is being held under a $500,000 bond. Moore and McKeithan are being held under $1 million bond.

The Brunswick County drug unit is working closely with pharmacies and the community to try and control the drug problem. Officers emphasized the importance of pill turn-ins. Brunswick County will have days this month where people can drop their extra pills off:

Dosher Memorial Hospital
Southport
Tuesday, February 23

West Brunswick High School Health Fair
Saturday, February 27