NORTH CAROLINA — A major narcotics investigation spanning two counties and involving multiple federal agencies led to two arrests and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, authorities announced Friday.
The 10-month operation, coordinated by the Edgecombe and Nash County Sheriff’s Offices, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), targeted a drug trafficking network distributing fentanyl in the region.
The investigation nearly hit a setback during a raid at Asbury Park Apartments in Princeville when the primary suspect, 48-year-old Bobby Smallwood, attempted to flush cocaine down a toilet.
Deputies stopped him in time and recovered 28 grams of cocaine and 56 grams of marijuana.
Smallwood was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, trafficking fentanyl, maintaining a dwelling and vehicle for drug storage, and conspiracy to sell and deliver fentanyl.
He is being held without bond at the Edgecombe County Detention Center.
A second raid occurred at a home on Carol Lane in Tarboro, where authorities found 2,500 fentanyl pills (weighing 255 grams), over 200 grams of marijuana, marijuana wax, digital scales, and packaging materials.
Deputies also seized multiple vehicles, including a Dodge Challenger.
Devon Smallwood, 46, was arrested at the Tarboro location. According to arrest warrants, Bobby Smallwood also resided at the Carol Lane home.
Devon Smallwood faces charges including trafficking fentanyl by possession, maintaining a dwelling and vehicle for drug storage, and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He is being held on a $1 million secured bond.
In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of 800 grams of raw fentanyl, 721 grams of pressed fentanyl pills (an estimated 7,000 dosage units), and 250 grams of marijuana.
Officials described Bobby Smallwood as the main target in the fentanyl trafficking probe and said the investigation remains ongoing.
