Mugshots of suspects charged with multiple counts of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy in Johnston County undercover drug investigation.
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3 Arrested, Cocaine and Marijuana Seized in Johnston County Undercover Drug Operation

@SpectacularMag Staff

BENSON, NC — A three-month undercover investigation involving multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies led to a significant drug bust and the arrest of three suspects in Johnston County this week.

The operation culminated on June 10, when deputies with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office SAFE Team and Narcotics Division stopped two vehicles traveling together on NC Highway 50 in the McGee’s Crossroads community.

9 ounces of cocaine tossed from vehicle during stop

Mugshot of Quentin Smalls, charged with multiple counts of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy in Johnston County undercover drug investigation.
Smalls
Mugshot of Chazmonte Brown, charged with multiple counts of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy in Johnston County undercover drug investigation.
Brown

Deputies conducted simultaneous traffic stops on a black Audi passenger car and a blue SUV.

According to authorities, the driver of the Audi attempted to flee the traffic stop, but the vehicle became stuck. During the incident, one of the occupants reportedly threw bags from the car containing approximately 9 ounces of cocaine.

The occupants of the Audi were immediately detained at the scene:

  • Chazmonte Louis Brown, 37, of Raleigh
  • Qwentin Marcel Smalls, 35, of Raleigh

Marijuana found in blue SUV

Mugshot of Tinita Vick, charged with multiple counts of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy in Johnston County undercover drug investigation.
Vick

During the search of the blue SUV, investigators located approximately 1.2 pounds of marijuana. The driver, identified as:

  • Tinita Ernestine Vick, 50, of Zebulon,

was also detained at the scene.

Suspects face multiple trafficking charges

Following the bust, all three suspects were charged with the following:

Chazmonte Louis Brown

  • 4 counts of trafficking cocaine
  • 1 count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine
  • Brown was already out on bail awaiting trial on separate cocaine trafficking charges in Wake County.

Qwentin Marcel Smalls

  • 4 counts of trafficking cocaine
  • 1 count of conspiracy to deliver cocaine
  • Smalls is a convicted felon with a prior conviction for armed robbery in South Carolina.

Tinita Ernestine Vick

  • 4 counts of trafficking cocaine
  • 1 count of conspiracy to sell cocaine
  • Possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana

$1 million bonds issued

All three suspects were booked into the Johnston County Detention Center under $1 million secured bonds each.

Multi-agency operation

The undercover investigation was conducted by a joint team of law enforcement officers from the:

  • Johnston County Sheriff’s Office
  • Harnett County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dunn Police Department
  • Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests or charges could follow.