North Carolina launches Border Belt Drug Task Force to fight regional drug trafficking

Local sheriff offices in Robeson, Bladen and Columbus counties and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation announced the formation of the Border Belt Drug Task Force. The partnership also includes district attorneys Jon David and Matt Scott and is aimed at disrupting drug‑trafficking organizations that operate across county lines, especially along the Interstate‑95 corridor.

Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said the task force will combine investigative personnel, intelligence‑sharing and prosecutorial resources to strengthen regional efforts. SBI Director Chip Hawley added that state support will bring additional technology and manpower, making the collaboration a "force multiplier" for the participating agencies.