Johnston County Deputies Seize Suspected Meth, Firearm In Four Oaks-Area Raid

FOUR OAKS — Johnston County Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents executed a search warrant Jan. 2 at a residence in the 500 block of Hannah Road near Four Oaks, uncovering suspected methamphetamine, a firearm and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

The search warrant stemmed from an undercover investigation involving Aaron Scott Lowery, 47, who lived at the residence, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the search, agents reported seizing approximately 80 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia and a shotgun. The suspected meth had a street value of about $8,000.

Lowery is a convicted felon and under state law is prohibited from possessing firearms.

At the time of his arrest, Lowery was out of jail on bond awaiting trial on methamphetamine possession charges related to a September 2025 arrest by the Smithfield Police Department.

Lowery was also indicted by a Johnston County grand jury in November 2025 on a habitual felon charge. The indictment cites prior felony convictions, including possession of stolen property in Harnett County in 2007, felony possession of methamphetamine in Harnett County in 2022, and felony possession of methamphetamine in Johnston County in 2023. A trial date on the habitual felon charge remains pending.

Lowery was charged Jan. 2 with trafficking in methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, simple possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was being held under a $150,000 secured bond.