Whitevillle man arrested on drug and firearm charges
WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WWAY) — Investigators with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a Whiteville man on multiple drug and firearms charges following a traffic stop on Monday, Jan. 12.
Anthony Lee Vereen was taken into custody by the CCSO Special Operations Division Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Patrol Division following an investigation into alleged narcotics activity in the North Whiteville area.
CCSO says the investigation began after multiple community allegations were made of illegal drug distribution. Detectives were able to identify Vereen as a subject of interest, and confirmed he had an active outstanding warrant.
During the traffic stop, Vereen resisted arrest but was later taken into custody without further incident or injury to anyone involved.
An inventory search of the vehicle was conducted, which revealed firearms and narcotics.
Vereen faces the following charges
- Order for Arrest for Failure to Appear on Previous Misdemeanor Charge
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Resisting a Public Officer
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm
- 3 counts of Trafficking in Opium/Heroin
- Possession With Intent to Sell/Distribute a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
- Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Marijuana
- Maintaining a Place for a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Controlled Substance on Prison/Jail Premises
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Vereen is being held at the Columbus County Detention Center under no bond.
He appeared in court for the first time Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Following his first court appearance the judge ordered continued detention with no bond until the next court proceeding, citing substantial evidence and prior criminal history.
Columbus County Sheriffs Office say this investigation is still ongoing.
