NORTH CAROLINA — A months-long narcotics investigation by law enforcement in Duplin and New Hanover counties resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and firearms.
The operation involved the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division, New Hanover County Vice & Narcotics Division, and the Wilmington Police Department. Investigators targeted the activities of Marqueice Graham, Jewelyus McCall, and Troy Givens of New Hanover County, and Deremus Careem Plange, Keavon Marquise Newkirk-Murphy, and Da Shawn Dove of Duplin County.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, Duplin County deputies executed a search warrant on Iron Mine Road near Wallace.
Authorities seized 534 grams (19 ounces) of raw fentanyl, 132 grams (4.7 ounces) of crack cocaine, and five firearms, including a Bushmaster .223, Mini Drako .762, Glock 19, Taurus .40, and a Palmetto semi-automatic. At the same time, a related search warrant in New Hanover County resulted in additional arrests and seizures of illegal narcotics and firearms.
Charges filed in Duplin County include:
- Deremus Careem Plange: Two counts each of trafficking opium/heroin and cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, and additional narcotics charges; held on a $150,000 secured bond.
- Keavon Marquise Newkirk-Murphy: Same charges as Plange; held on a $190,000 secured bond.
- Da Shawn Dove: Two counts each of trafficking opium/heroin and cocaine, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, one count of firearm possession by a felon, and additional narcotics charges; currently has outstanding warrants.
Plange initially posted bond but additional charges were issued, and both he and Dove are wanted by Duplin County authorities.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dove or Plange is urged to contact the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150 or the DCSO Tip-line at 910-372-9202.
The investigation is ongoing.
