VANCEBORO, NC (CRAVEN COUNTY) — Two individuals from eastern North Carolina are facing felony drug charges following a joint narcotics investigation by the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and New Bern Police Department.
On July 30, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at 710 Bear Hole Road in Vanceboro as part of an ongoing probe into Zachary Charles Stephens, 32, who was suspected of selling illegal drugs from his residence.
Authorities initiated a traffic stop on Stephens, which gave them probable cause to search his home. During the search, officers arrested both Stephens and his girlfriend, Hope Kathleen Hasher, 28.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office reports seizing 17 grams of fentanyl, along with drug paraphernalia.
Stephens has been charged with:
Trafficking Heroin or Opium
Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Fentanyl
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Hasher faces similar felony charges related to fentanyl possession and trafficking.
Both individuals are being held without bond at the Craven County Detention Facility, awaiting their first court appearance.
The Sheriff’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to combatting drug activity in the region and protecting public safety.
