WILMINGTON — A Mount Olive drug bust was the catalyst for the arrest, conviction and now sentencing of a 22-year-old Briscoe man, who pleaded guilty to multiple drug felonies.
According to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Collins, 22, of Briscoe, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for drug trafficking.
On April 12, 2023, Collins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, on May 14, 2022, Duplin County narcotics detectives were aware that Collins was delivering a large amount of methamphetamine to a residence in Mount Olive.
When Collins arrived at the residence, detectives approached the car and Collins attempted to flee, but law enforcement was able to prevent the suspect from leaving. Law enforcement found 848 grams of pure methamphetamine in the car. During the course of the investigation, officers uncovered that Collins had been involved in the distribution of at least 10 kilograms of methamphetamine between April 2021 and the time of his arrest.
Michael Easley, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security and the Duplin and Sampson County Sheriff’s’ Offices investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
