BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reports that seven people were arrested on drug charges during the month of October, following multiple investigations across the county.
Deputies say they seized just over four ounces of fentanyl, one ounce of methamphetamine, and less than one ounce of cocaine.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be deadly. Investigators estimate that the amount seized could have prevented up to 60,000 fatal overdoses.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
Brandon Bell, 39, of Goldsboro – Three counts of trafficking in fentanyl by possession and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances; held on a $400,000 secured bond.
Givon Hodges, 40, of Washington – Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; held on a $30,000 secured bond.
Richard Barnes, 57, of Aurora – Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia; held without bond.
Dekevion Roulhac, 23, of Washington – Trafficking in fentanyl by possession; held on a $60,000 secured bond.
Donald Keech Jr., 32, of Belhaven – Two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine; held without bond.
William Branch, 28, of Blounts Creek – Possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia; held without bond.
Ebony Lawrence, 32, of Washington – Trafficking in fentanyl by possession; held on a $50,000 secured bond.
Deputies say the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to reduce the impact of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in Beaufort County.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspected drug activity as investigations continue.
