TUESDAY MORNING ARREST LEADS TO TRAFFICKING AND STOLEN VEHICLE CHARGES IN WHITEVILLE

Whiteville NC — A morning investigation by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a Tabor City man on multiple felony drug trafficking and vehicle theft charges.

On July 14, at approximately 10:33 AM, Reporting Officer Daisy Alcocer-Bello responded to an incident on Washington Street in Whiteville. The investigation led to the apprehension of 32-year-old Equan Manique Underwood of Hughes Farm Lane, Tabor City.

According to authorities, Underwood was found in possession of a stolen motor vehicle. A subsequent search by law enforcement revealed a significant quantity of illicit substances, resulting in additional severe narcotics charges.

Underwood has been charged with Felony Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver (PWISD) Cocaine, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he is being held under a $100,000.00 secured bond awaiting trial.

All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.