Bayboro, NC – A multi-agency narcotics investigation in Pamlico County led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and firearms, authorities confirmed. The operation involved extensive collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Coordinated Search Leads to Major Seizure
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office and the Neuse River Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence on Florence Road as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug distribution.
The task force includes members from Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Additional support came from the New Bern Police Department, FBI Task Force, and North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement.
During the search, investigators uncovered:
- 128 grams of crack cocaine
- 36 grams of cocaine
- 4 grams of marijuana
- Multiple firearms, including two handguns, four rifles, and a shotgun
- Drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency
Authorities say the seizure represents a major disruption to local drug trafficking operations in the area.
Five Individuals Charged
Five suspects were arrested and are now facing multiple criminal charges:
Cedric Bernard Dunham, 48, Bayboro – $500,000 secured bond
- Two counts trafficking in cocaine
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Felony maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (non-marijuana)
Randy Donell Gibbs, 63, Bayboro – $200,000 secured bond
- Two counts conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Felony maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (non-marijuana)
Nitchele Cherene Mann, 51, Bayboro – $200,000 secured bond
- Two counts conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Felony maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (non-marijuana)
Tyson Earl Brinson, 45, Florida – $300,000 secured bond
- Two counts conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Felony maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (non-marijuana)
Jasmine Lakeitha Paulk, 40, Florida – $200,000 secured bond
- Two counts conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Felony maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (non-marijuana)
Authorities Urge Community Cooperation
The Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding narcotics activity in the area to contact investigators. Officials stress that community tips play a vital role in dismantling drug networks and keeping neighborhoods safe.
Do you believe multi-agency operations like this are effective in curbing local drug activity? Share your perspective and experiences in the comments below.
