Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl Trafficking Arrests Following Community Complaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
Southport, NC — January 8, 2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Fentanyl Trafficking Arrests Following Community Complaints

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three individuals on multiple narcotics charges after receiving several complaints from residents in the Flagship Avenue community of Southport regarding suspected illegal drug activity.

Acting on those community‑provided tips, Vice & Narcotics Agents—assisted by a K9 Patrol Unit—conducted a traffic stop on December 18, 2025, involving Jeremy Harris Bassett, Isaiah Storm Rodgers, and Katelyn Nicole Benedict. During the stop, agents seized a trafficking quantity of fentanyl.

All three suspects were taken into custody and are currently being held at the Brunswick County Detention Facility. No bond has been issued.

Charges Filed

Jeremy Harris Bassett

• Trafficking in Fentanyl (2 counts)
• Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Fentanyl
• Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances
• Conspiracy to Traffic Opium/Heroin
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Isaiah Storm Rodgers

• Trafficking in Fentanyl (2 counts)
• Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Fentanyl
• Conspiracy to Traffic Opium/Heroin
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Katelyn Nicole Benedict

• Trafficking in Fentanyl (2 counts)
• Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Fentanyl
• Conspiracy to Traffic Opium/Heroin
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Obstructing Justice

Sheriff Brian Chism credited the arrests to the vigilance and cooperation of local residents.

“The cooperation and willingness of our citizens to report suspicious activity plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe,” Sheriff Chism said. “We encourage anyone who sees suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhood to report it.”

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to illegal drug activity to contact the agency or submit anonymous tips through the BCSO website: SUBMIT-TIP