NORTH CAROLINA — Five people were arrested and large quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash were seized following an investigation by the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crime Action Team, authorities said.
Officers began investigating suspected criminal activity around 6:43 p.m. on Jan. 29 after receiving concerns from community members. As part of the investigation, officers conducted a traffic stop involving 28-year-old Ran’dias Jacobs of Raleigh.
Police said Jacobs was found in possession of approximately 115 grams of marijuana. He was taken into custody and charged with motor vehicle violations, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and felony maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.
Following Jacobs’ arrest, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 1100 block of West Washington Avenue. With assistance from the Kinston Police Department SWAT team, officers executed the warrant and located five individuals inside the home: 27-year-old Nicholas Edwards, 27-year-old Jadkis Fleming, 27-year-old Ricky Roach, 25-year-old Zi’Neir Bryant, and a 17-year-old juvenile.
During the search, officers seized more than 315 grams of marijuana, 15 grams of cocaine, oxycodone pills, drug paraphernalia, two handguns, and more than $3,000 in cash.
Edwards, Fleming, Roach, and Bryant were each charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession with intent to sell and deliver oxycodone, felony conspiracy, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Edwards was additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The juvenile was released to a legal guardian. Police said detectives are coordinating with Juvenile Justice and pursuing appropriate juvenile petitions.
