NORTH CAROLINA — A man was arrested Thursday morning following the execution of search warrants at a home in Lumberton as part of a drug investigation, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said deputies with the department’s Drug Enforcement Division, Community Impact Team, and SWAT operators served search warrants at a residence on Enoch Drive. During the search, investigators located and seized a quantity of fentanyl, one firearm, and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities arrested Walter Lee Bethea, 41, of Lumberton. He was charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bethea is being held at the Robeson County Detention Center under a $1 million secured bond.
“The arrest of Mr. Bethea while possessing over 100 grams of fentanyl potentially saved over 6000 lives. This seizure likely prevented a devastating impact on our county,” Wilkins said in a statement. “The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Division will continue to aggressively target those who traffic these deadly substances into our county, while seeking aggressive prosecution in both the state and federal courts.”
Anyone with information regarding drug activity in Robeson County is asked to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Division at (910) 671-3191 or by email at drugs@robesoncountysonc.gov.
