Greensboro, NC — A coordinated pre-dawn drug raid in Greensboro resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the recovery of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs and firearms, according to the Greensboro Police Department.
The operation unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday morning along the 1500 block of Summit Avenue and the 4700 block of Oremba Circle, where officers and members of the SWAT team executed a high-risk search.
Authorities say the operation targeted suspected drug distribution activity in the area following an ongoing investigation by narcotics detectives.
Cocaine, Fentanyl, Cash and Firearms Found
During the raid, investigators seized:
- More than 15 ounces of cocaine
- Approximately 2.5 ounces of fentanyl
- Cash
- Five firearms, including one reported stolen
Police noted that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a growing number of overdose deaths nationwide, is legally covered under trafficking heroin statutes, meaning those arrested will also face enhanced heroin-related charges.
Juveniles Inside the Home at Time of Raid
According to Captain Flowers with the department’s Narcotics Investigation Unit, several juveniles were present inside the residence when officers entered. Despite the presence of children and the involvement of armed suspects, authorities confirmed no injuries occurred during the operation.
Children found in such environments are often exposed to dangerous substances, unstable conditions, and the risks that come with drug trafficking operations, prompting additional child abuse charges for the suspects.
Three Suspects Taken Into Custody
Police arrested three individuals in connection with the drug trafficking activity uncovered during the operation.
1. Antonio Haizlip, 31
Haizlip, 31, faces an extensive list of felony charges, including:
- Trafficking cocaine
- Trafficking heroin (which legally includes fentanyl)
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Sell/Deliver narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school
- Child abuse
Investigators say Haizlip’s criminal history prohibits him from possessing firearms and increases the severity of the charges.
2. Semaje Wilhite-Haizlip, 25
Wilhite-Haizlip, 25, was charged with:
- Trafficking cocaine
- Trafficking heroin (fentanyl)
- Sell/Deliver narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school
- Child abuse
Police say evidence from the home connected both Wilhite-Haizlip and Haizlip to the drug operation.
3. Leigha Walker, 44
Walker, 44, is charged with:
- Child abuse
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession of marijuana
Authorities emphasized that children being present in a home containing narcotics, weapons, and ongoing drug distribution activity directly contributed to the additional felony child abuse charges.
Nearby School Zone Enhances Penalties
Because the residence was located within 1,000 feet of a school, the suspects now face enhanced penalties under North Carolina law. Such zones are designed to protect students and carry significantly harsher sentencing guidelines for drug-related offenses.
Investigation Remains Active
Police have not released additional details about whether more arrests are expected, but the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are also evaluating the wellbeing of the juveniles found in the home and coordinating with child protective services.
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