Drug and Firearm Seizure in Clarendon

January 27, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: Sheriff W. A. Rogers

NARCOTICS OPERATION RESULTS IN DRUG AND FIREARM SEIZURE IN CLARENDON

Clarendon, NC — On January 26, 2026, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Narcotics Unit arrested two individuals following an investigation into suspected narcotics activity within the Clarendon community and surrounding areas.

Vice-Narcotics investigators were conducting proactive enforcement efforts after receiving multiple allegations regarding the sale and distribution of illegal controlled substances in the area. As part of the ongoing investigation, deputies initiated a traffic stop involving two suspects believed to be connected to the reported activity. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies located a firearm along with multiple illegal narcotics. As a result, both occupants were taken into custody and charged.

Arrested individuals and charges include:

Jatrayvis Vnquan Riggins, B/M, 22
• (2 counts) Trafficking in Opium or Heroin
• Conspiracy to Traffic in Opium or Heroin
• (2 counts) Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
• Obstructing Justice
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Avonta Timothy Clifton, B/M, 21
• Felony Conspiracy to Traffic in Opium or Heroin
• Maintaining a Vehicle for the Storage of Illegal Controlled Substances
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon (Firearm)
• Possession of Marijuana

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division remains committed to aggressively targeting illegal drug activity and those who contribute to the distribution of narcotics within our communities. This operation reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s proactive approach to crime prevention and its continued efforts to disrupt criminal enterprises that threaten public safety. This investigation remains ongoing.

“Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”