NORTH CAROLINA — Twelve people have been charged in a large-scale federal drug investigation in Onslow County, according to authorities.
Federal officials said the indictment stems from an investigation that began in early 2025 into a drug trafficking operation in the area. Multiple agencies were involved, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Jacksonville Police Department and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the case is tied to a series of search warrants executed Jan. 15, which resulted in a heavy law enforcement presence across the county.
According to court documents, those charged are accused of conspiring to distribute and possess large quantities of illegal drugs, including more than 1,600 grams of fentanyl and more than 900 grams of methamphetamine — totaling more than five pounds.
Investigators also reported recovering multiple firearms, including pistols and handguns, during the operation.
Jarad Phelps said cases like this often take months or years to build and emphasized the impact such investigations can have on the local community.
All 12 defendants are expected to face prosecution in federal court. Authorities said no injuries were reported during the execution of the search warrants.
The investigation remains ongoing.
