By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
Detectives with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office played a key role in a multi-county narcotics investigation that led to the seizure of nearly 50 grams of fentanyl and the arrest of a Leland man on numerous felony drug charges.
According to a media release from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation involved the Brunswick County, New Hanover County and Carteret County sheriff’s offices and focused on the distribution of fentanyl throughout southeastern North Carolina.
The months-long investigation resulted in the October 15 arrest of Brian Jackie Harper in New Hanover County. Authorities said Harper was found in possession of approximately 11 grams of fentanyl and 3.5 grams of crack cocaine at the time of his arrest.
Investigators said Harper allegedly attempted to assault detectives during the arrest before being subdued and taken into custody.
Following the arrest, detectives with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Harper’s residence. During the search, authorities reported finding an additional 49 grams of fentanyl, 7.5 grams of crack cocaine and materials commonly used to weigh and package narcotics for distribution.
The seizure in Brunswick County accounted for the majority of the fentanyl recovered during the investigation.
Authorities said the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office filed 16 criminal charges against Harper, including trafficking fentanyl and assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer.
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office filed seven additional charges, including trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to sell cocaine and manufacturing illegal drugs.
In total, Harper faces 23 criminal charges between the two jurisdictions.
Harper is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Facility under a $1.5 million bond related to the New Hanover County charges. An additional $3 million bond was issued in connection with the Brunswick County case, bringing his combined bond total to $4.5 million.
Law enforcement officials said the case highlights the ongoing cooperation between agencies across southeastern North Carolina as they work to disrupt the trafficking of fentanyl and other illegal narcotics.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Harper are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office media release
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved.
Be the first to comment