ALE Investigation Leads To Seizure Of Over 15,000 Lethal Doses Of Fentanyl

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) special agents have concluded a month-long investigation into fentanyl trafficking at ABC-licensed establishments in Spring Lake and the Anderson Creek community in Harnett County.

During the investigation, undercover ALE agents reportedly seized more than 30 grams of fentanyl, equivalent to approximately 15,400 lethal doses, from Christopher Johnston. Each of the undercover purchases occurred at ABC-licensed establishments in Spring Lake.

On Oct. 22, ALE agents, with assistance from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Johnston and executed a search warrant on N. Peggy St. in Spring Lake. During the search, agents located and seized cocaine, opioids, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana and over $12,000 in cash.

During his arrest, Johnston attempted to run over several law enforcement officers while trying to flee, leaving one agent with minor injuries. Johnston was transported to the Harnett County Detention Center and held without bond.

Christopher William Johnston, 34, of Spring Lake, was charged with 10 counts of felony trafficking in fentanyl, two counts of felony conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, two counts of felony maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, felony assault on a law enforcement officer causing physical injury, felony trafficking in opium, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, injury to personal property, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Agents also charged Johnston’s brother, Nicholas Johnston, in connection with the investigation.

Nicholas Jacob Johnston, 36, of Spring Lake, was charged with three counts of felony trafficking in fentanyl, felony conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.