A man has been arrested and remains in custody after law enforcement officers found a stolen firearm and a large quantity of illegal drugs at his residence. The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), along with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Jacksonville Police Department’s Special Operations Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted a search at a home located at 120 Peach Lane on February 21st.
During the search, authorities seized nearly 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.5 pounds of cocaine, and over half a pound of fentanyl. Additionally, nine firearms were recovered from the property, one of which had been reported stolen. Officials also confiscated $12,518 in cash and two vehicles, which they identified as proceeds from illegal drug activities.
The suspect, 47-year-old Antonio Whitney, was arrested at the scene. Investigators charged him with multiple felony offenses related to drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, and drug manufacturing. His charges include two counts of felony trafficking methamphetamine, two counts of felony trafficking opium/heroin, two counts of trafficking in cocaine, felony possession of a stolen firearm, felony manufacture of methamphetamine, felony manufacture of cocaine, felony manufacture of a Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver cocaine, felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and felony maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances.
Whitney was booked into the Onslow County Detention Center, where he remains under a $1.3 million secured bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 17th.
Authorities continue their investigation into Whitney’s activities, and additional charges could be filed as more evidence is reviewed. Law enforcement officials emphasize their commitment to combating drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes in the community, urging residents to report any suspicious activities.
