North Carolina As a result of a multi-agency drug operation in Bladen County, cash, weapons, and drugs have been seized, and three people have been arrested.
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) claims that the investigation started when the Vice/Narcotics Unit of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office notified BCSO about a person who was allegedly selling illegal substances in the neighborhood.
Detectives stated that 68-year-old Kenneth Bowen had active arrest warrants for narcotics trafficking and sales, and that they had previously bought drugs from him.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for Bowen’s home on Mercer Mill Brown Marsh Road in Clarkton after BCSO launched its own investigation and bought drugs from him.
During the search, which was carried out by BCSO in cooperation with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, several controlled narcotics, guns, and US money were found.
Bowen was taken into custody, and both counties have charged him with a number of offenses. He was charged by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office with:
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and/or deliver Schedule VI controlled substances
- Two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and/or deliver Schedule II controlled substances
- Maintaining a dwelling for the keeping and selling of controlled substances
Furthermore, Bowen was accused by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office with:
- Five counts of trafficking opium or heroin
- Two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and/or deliver Schedule II controlled substances
- Two counts of maintaining a dwelling for the keeping and selling of controlled substances
- Delivering methamphetamine
- Selling Schedule II controlled substances
- Delivering Schedule II controlled substances
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and/or deliver methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Bowen received a $550,000 secured bond.
Cameron Blanks, 18, and Sabrina Annette Blanks, 38, were also taken into custody. Both are charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. The charges against Cameron Blanks were:
- Simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substances
- Possession of marijuana paraphernalia
He was given an unsecured bond of $1,500.
The charges against Sabrina Blanks were:
- Simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substances
- Possession of marijuana paraphernalia
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Misdemeanor maintaining a dwelling for the keeping and use of controlled substances
A $1,500 unsecured bail was also used to release her.
Authorities said the inquiry is still ongoing.
