Woman Says Drug Deal Turned Into Robbery

BENSON, N.C. — What allegedly began as an illegal drug transaction ended with a robbery investigation Saturday night in southern Johnston County.

According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, a woman contacted deputies after reporting she had been robbed by the person she had arranged to meet to purchase oxycodone pills.

The woman told investigators she had contacted the alleged dealer and agreed to meet along a secluded stretch of Whittington Road near Benson late Saturday night.

According to the report, the woman admitted she did not have the money to pay for the pills. Instead, she allegedly sent the dealer a photograph showing cash in an effort to convince him to meet her.

When the two met, the dealer reportedly handed her the oxycodone before realizing she did not have the money.

Investigators said the suspect then struck the woman in the head, took back the pills, grabbed her iPhone and fled the scene.

The woman reported the incident to law enforcement a short time later.

Detectives have not announced any arrests or identified the alleged assailant. The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the reported robbery.