Federal Crackdown Targets Violent Crime & Drug Trafficking in Henderson and Oxford

HENDERSON, N.C. — A massive joint law enforcement operation has led to the arrest of five men on federal charges and the execution of more than 30 state warrants in the Henderson area. Federal prosecutors say the coordinated surge — supported by the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and numerous North Carolina agencies — is aimed at disrupting violent crime and drug trafficking networks, destabilizing communities in Vance and Granville counties.

Coordinated Enforcement Surge

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle announced the effort alongside federal, state, and local partners, emphasizing a united approach to public safety.

“This surge reflects the strength of our local, state, and federal partnerships,” Boyle said. “If you commit a federal crime, you can expect to spend a lot of prison time.”

The operation involved three arrest teams and three search teams, carrying out about 30 absconder warrant services and 40 warrantless searches.

Agencies Involved

Participating agencies included:

• FBI Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF)
• U.S. Marshals Service
• North Carolina State Highway Patrol
• NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)
• NC Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE)
• NC Department of Adult Correction
• Henderson Police Department
• Oxford Police Department
• Vance County Sheriff’s Office
• District Attorney Mike Waters’ Office

Leaders praised the collaboration, calling it a model for crime reduction and community protection.

Federal Charges Announced

The following individuals, all from the Henderson and Oxford area, now face federal prosecution:

• Qwmaine Raekwon Knott, 29 (Henderson) – Possession with intent to distribute 40+ grams of fentanyl (10 years–life if convicted).
• Andre Khan, 30 (Henderson) – Fentanyl trafficking, firearm in furtherance of drug crime, felon in possession of a firearm (5 years–life if convicted).
• Terrance Hargrove, 47 (Henderson) – Cocaine trafficking, firearm in furtherance of drug crime, felon in possession of a firearm (5 years–life if convicted).
• Keith Bagley, 46 (Oxford) – Felon in possession of a firearm (up to 15 years if convicted).
• Shamar Evans, 34 (Oxford) – Crack cocaine trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm (5–35 years if convicted).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Loeser, Jaren Kelly, and Special Assistant Erin Becker are prosecuting the cases.

Operation Take Back America

This crackdown is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative uniting federal resources to dismantle violent crime networks, drug trafficking organizations, and fugitive activity across the country. Officials say the strategy pairs aggressive enforcement with community safety efforts to reduce crime in high-impact areas.

Community Impact

Law enforcement leaders emphasized that this effort is only the beginning of long-term work in Vance and Granville counties — with ongoing investigations, community engagement, and support for families impacted by crime.

“Violent offenders threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Marshal Glenn M. McNeill Jr. “This operation shows what’s possible when every level of law enforcement works together.”

Feature image: This is a stock photo for illustrative purposes only and does not depict any of the individuals charged in this case.