Via CCSO:

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office played a key role in a multi-agency operation resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a substantial amount of narcotics and a firearm.

Over the past several months, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit investigated an individual suspected of trafficking narcotics across Bladen, Columbus, and Fayetteville areas. On September 9, 2024, surveillance and intelligence led to a traffic stop on NC Highway 87 near Tobermory Road, where the Bladen County VICE/Narcotics Unit, the Community Impact Team, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit, and the Fayetteville Police Department collaborated in the successful operation.

During the stop, narcotics including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana were seized, along with a firearm and a large sum of US currency. Two individuals were arrested on numerous charges related to drug trafficking, possession, and firearm violations.

Michelle Wilson Parks, 36, of Lumberton—who is also known to also reside and traffic narcotics in Columbus County—and Phillip Delano Harried III, 55, of Fayetteville, are currently being held with no bond in the Bladen County Detention Center.

Sheriff Bill Rogers commended the teamwork between law enforcement agencies. “This operation highlights the critical importance of multi-agency cooperation in combatting drug trafficking across county lines. We are committed to making our communities safer and holding those responsible accountable,” he stated.

“Everyone is presumed to be innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.”