Bladen County, NC — Following months of citizen complaints regarding narcotics activity in Bladenboro, Elizabethtown, and Clarkton, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) conducted a coordinated operation dubbed “Operation Thanksgiving Sweep” on November 18, resulting in the arrest of 15 of 26 targeted suspects.
Authorities reported that the operation targeted individuals involved in the sale and distribution of controlled substances, including Schedule II narcotics and methamphetamine, as well as associated firearms offenses.
Arrests and Charges
During the operation, officers executed multiple arrests and filed over 80 criminal charges. Among those apprehended were:
- Thomas Ray Hammonds, 58, Chadbourn — PWIMSD Schedule II, Felony Possession Schedule II
- Gary Carter, 65, Elizabethtown — Felony Possession Schedule II, PWIMSD Schedule II, Sell/Deliver Controlled Substance Within 1000FT of a School
- James Dewey Ezzel, 50, Clarkton — Conspire Sell/Methamphetamine, Felony Possession Schedule II, Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling for Drug Use, DWLR Not Impaired, Possess Drug Paraphernalia
- Dwayne Campbell Jr., 34, Clarkton — Felony Possession Schedule II, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Served with Two Arrest Orders
- Rubin Lee Harrelson Jr., 50, Clarkton (on parole) — Conspire Sell/Methamphetamine, Parole Violation, Additional Charges Pending
- Damon James Mullins, 50, East Arcadia — Three Counts PWIMSD Schedule II, Additional Charges Pending
- Jashaune Matthew George, 30, Clarkton — PWIMSD Schedule II, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Maintain Dwelling for Drug Sales
- Dustin Wade Norris, 35, Elizabethtown — Felony Probation Violations
- Brittany Kaye Clewis, 36, Clarkton — Felony Possession Schedule II
- Monica Reaves Britt, 39, Bladenboro — PWIMSD Schedule II
- Briana Yolanda Rogers, 39, Elizabethtown — Three Counts Felony Possession Schedule II
- Rachel Nicole Norris, 31, Clarkton — Felony Probation Violation
- Franklin Quentil Pharr, 41, Elizabethtown — Multiple counts including Sexual Battery, PWIMSD Schedule I & II, Possession of Firearm by Felon
- Latoyia Richelle Mclaurin, 38, Elizabethtown — Felony Child Abuse-Sexual Act
- Vickie Evalina Godwin, 40, Tar Heel — Felony Possession Schedule II, PWIMSD Schedule II, Manufacture Schedule II, Maintain Dwelling for Drug Sales
Narcotics and Firearms Seized
Authorities confiscated a range of illegal substances and weapons during the operation:
- One rifle
- One pistol (reported stolen)
- 22.1 grams of methamphetamine
- 8.5 grams of marijuana
- 4 grams of crack cocaine
- 14 dosage units of MDMA
- 13 dosage units of Suboxone
Law Enforcement Collaboration
The operation involved a multi-agency effort, with assistance from the Probation and Parole division and the United States Marshals Service, highlighting the ongoing commitment to combatting narcotics distribution and associated criminal activity in Bladen County.
BCSO officials emphasized that the operation is ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the remaining wanted suspects continue, as per WECT.
What Do You Think?
With large-scale operations like Operation Thanksgiving Sweep, how effective are multi-agency efforts in reducing narcotics activity?
Share your thoughts in the comments — What more can be done to keep communities safe from illegal drugs and associated crimes?
