COLUMBUS/NEW HANOVER COUNTIES, N.C. — A six-month narcotics investigation by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) has led to the arrest of one individual and multiple felony charges.
The joint investigation targeted a narcotics network affecting communities across both counties. Officials identified 30-year-old Cortez Mikell Smith as a key figure in the trafficking of crystal meth and other illegal substances.
Smith was arrested in New Hanover County during a coordinated operation between the two agencies. He faces multiple charges from both counties:
Columbus County Charges:
4 Felony Counts – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Manufacture of Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Manufacture, Sell, Deliver, or Possess a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a Park
1 Misdemeanor Count – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
New Hanover County Charges:
3 Felony Counts – Trafficking in Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Manufacture Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
1 Felony Count – Maintain a Vehicle, Dwelling, or Place for a Controlled Substance
1 Misdemeanor Count – Possession of Marijuana Up to 0.5 oz
1 Misdemeanor Count – Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Smith is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Facility while investigations continue.
