Regional Drug Task Force Formed To Combat Illegal Narcotics In Eastern North Carolina

CRAVEN COUNTY — The Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) have partnered to launch a new Regional Drug Task Force aimed at strengthening efforts to combat illegal drug activity across eastern North Carolina.

This partnership will allow all agencies to share intelligence, coordinate investigations, and leverage state-level resources to target drug traffickers and criminal organizations that operate across county lines.

“Drug activity doesn’t stop at the county line, and neither will our enforcement,” said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes. “This task force gives us the tools, manpower, and regional cooperation we need to make a real difference in the fight against illegal narcotics. Together, we can better protect our communities and hold drug dealers accountable.”

Pamlico County Sheriff Chris Davis added, “Our communities have been deeply impacted by drugs for far too long. This collaboration enables us to share intelligence and act quickly when drug activity moves from one jurisdiction to another. We’re stronger when we work together.”

Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility: “The drug trade affects every community in eastern North Carolina. By combining our efforts and resources, we can take a more proactive and coordinated approach to identifying, investigating, and dismantling these operations.”

The task force will focus on major drug suppliers, distribution networks, and criminal organizations involved in trafficking illegal substances, including opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and others.

North Carolina SBI Director Chip Hawley praised the collaboration, saying, “This task force represents the best of what law enforcement can accomplish when we work together. The SBI is proud to partner with our local sheriffs to bring our investigative and statewide resources to bear on a problem that continues to devastate communities across our state. The bottom line is, we can accomplish much more together than separately.”

This newly formed task force will operate throughout Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties, with additional support from the SBI’s Coastal District Office and Statewide Drug Program.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected drug activity to their local sheriff’s office, local police department, the SBI’s Coastal District office, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.