Whiteville, NC – A series of community tips led investigators with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Narcotics Unit to arrest a Whiteville man on January 12, 2026, following a proactive investigation into suspected drug activity in the North Whiteville area.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives launched the investigation after receiving multiple allegations of illegal drug distribution. During the inquiry, investigators identified Anthony Lee Vereen as a person of interest and confirmed he had an outstanding warrant for arrest.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Vereen, during which he allegedly resisted a Vice‑Narcotics Detective. He was taken into custody without further incident or injury. A subsequent inventory search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered a firearm and multiple types of narcotics.
Charges Filed
Vereen, 49, of Whiteville, faces the following charges:
- Order for Arrest – Failure to Appear on Previous Misdemeanor
- Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Resisting a Public Officer
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm
- Three counts of Trafficking in Opium/Heroin
- Possession With Intent to Sell/Distribute Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver 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 was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center under no bond. During his first court appearance on January 13, a judge ordered that he remain held without bond pending further proceedings, citing substantial evidence and prior criminal history.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that the Special Operations Division Narcotics Unit remains committed to targeting illegal drug distribution and removing firearms connected to criminal activity. Officials emphasized that this arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug networks operating within Columbus County.
The investigation remains active.
“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.”
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