NORTH CAROLINA — Deputies in Robeson County have made several arrests and are searching for a suspect following a weeklong undercover drug operation along the I-95 corridor, authorities said.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) said the operation targeted illegal drug activity reported by residents and travelers near local business parking lots.
Multiple undercover and unmarked teams, along with marked patrol units and drones, monitored locations including Roberts Avenue, Fayetteville Road, Walnut Street, Barker Ten Mile Road, Kahn Drive, Fuller Avenue, Liberty Hill Road, and Rowland Avenue.
During surveillance, detectives observed numerous hand-to-hand drug transactions and solicitation of money, often completed in less than 10 seconds. Authorities identified several dealers operating both inside the city and across the county.
Drugs seized during the operation included cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, and purple fentanyl, along with drug paraphernalia.
Those arrested and their charges include:
- Charles “Man” Sinclair Jr. – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. Bond: $37,000.
- Carey L. Wilkins, 37, of St. Pauls – Maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, possession of controlled substances, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond: $75,000.
- Edward “Eddie” Woodson, 51, of Lumberton – Felony possession of cocaine, resist/delay/obstruct. Bond: $1,000.
- William Stewart, 26, of Lumberton – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule I controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule I controlled substance. Bond: None.
- Joseph Locklear, 32, of Lumberton – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance. Bond: None.
- Bryan Freeman, 27, of Lumberton – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond: $25,000.
- Walton M. Hill, 34, of Lumberton – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. Bond: $40,000.
- Howard L. Jacobs II, 30, of Lumberton – Possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, conspiracy to sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance. Bond: $47,500.
Investigators are also seeking Stanley Cooper, 44, of Lumberton, for similar drug-related charges. Cooper was previously arrested in July and is currently out on bond in relation to multiple drug offenses.
The operation was led by the RCSO Drug Enforcement Division, Community Impact Team, Aviation Division, and Federal Task Force Detectives. Officials said investigations are ongoing, and more suspects will be publicly identified in the coming weeks.
Anyone with information on drug activity in the county is asked to call 910-671-3191 or email drugs@robesoncoso.org. Faith-based organizations or trained mental health professionals interested in helping residents affected by substance abuse are encouraged to contact jimmy.hunt@robesoncountysonc.gov.
