NORTH CAROLINA — A Cove City man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a drug investigation led to the seizure of methamphetamine and dozens of firearms.
According to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Howard Watson, 61, of N.C. Highway 55 West in Cove City, was arrested June 2 following an investigation conducted by the Neuse River Narcotics Task Force into the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Investigators said they seized more than 28 grams of methamphetamine and 45 firearms during the investigation. Authorities reported that several of the weapons had been illegally modified.
Court records show Watson is charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine and one count of possession of a weapon of mass destruction. Investigators allege he possessed more than 28 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine and manufactured more than 28 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, the weapon of mass destruction charge stems from the seizure of a Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 158 12-gauge shotgun with an altered and shortened barrel.
Watson was arrested June 2 and was scheduled to make his first court appearance June 3 in Craven County District Court. He is being held at the Craven County Confinement Facility.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and that additional charges are expected.
The Neuse River Narcotics Task Force includes members of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the New Bern Police Department.
