Months-Long Investigation Leads to Multiple Drug Trafficking Arrests and Seizures
A months-long drug investigation in North Carolina led to four arrests and over 70 felony charges, with seizures including firearms and 120 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine. Separately, a traffic stop revealed cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm, highlighting ongoing regional drug activity. Law enforcement officials note challenges from differing state marijuana laws and increasing drug-related incidents.
A months-long controlled substance investigation in Robeson County, North Carolina, has resulted in four arrests and more than 70 felony charges. Law enforcement seized five firearms, including one reported stolen, along with 120 grams of cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine during the operation.
The North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division was informed in October 2025 that controlled substances and non-tax-paid liquor were being sold from multiple residences located on Sherman Road in Maxton. Law enforcement conducted controlled purchases to obtain cocaine and crack from the residences. Drug paraphernalia and substantial evidence indicative of drug trafficking were also seized during the investigation.
Four individuals were arrested after the Robeson County Sheriff's Office conducted searches at 123 Sherman Road, 187 Sherman Road and 189 Sherman Road in Maxton. The charges include conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, manufacture of cocaine, possession of firearm by felon, possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, and trafficking cocaine. ALE partnered with RCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to assist with the investigation, which remains ongoing with future charges possible.
In a separate incident highlighting regional drug activity, a traffic stop led to the discovery of additional drugs and a firearm. Amanda A.S. Johnson of Erie was arraigned after being pulled over for nonfunctioning rear tail lights. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the officer alleged seeing burnt marijuana cigarettes and smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.
The officer received permission to search the vehicle and allegedly found a purse containing plastic bags with white powder the officer said appeared to be cocaine, marijuana, plastic baggies, digital scales, a pill bottle with Adderall pills and other drug paraphernalia items. Johnson admitted to the Youngsville Police Department that a locked storage box contained an additional 1.5 ounces of cocaine. She also allegedly informed officers about a .380 caliber pistol under the driver's seat.
Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser confirmed that a search warrant was obtained and more drugs were found inside the lock box and the gun was secured. Chief Mineweaser stated that Johnson is involved in local drug distribution, and is currently in custody with bail set at $50,000.
Chief Mineweaser said that Warren County's geographic location presents unique challenges. Situated near the New York state line, where marijuana is legal, and within driving distance of larger cities such as Erie, the area sees a steady flow of drug-related activity. One of the biggest issues stems from confusion about marijuana laws, as cannabis is legal in New York but remains illegal for recreational use in Pennsylvania.
The department has seen a noticeable shift in impaired driving cases, with marijuana now accounting for a growing share of DUI stops. This week, Warren County police seized large amounts of illegal items from local smoke shops, including more than five pounds of marijuana as well as vape products and edible items. According to Chief Mineweaser, the Youngsville Police Department saw more than 1,000 traffic stops last year.