WHITEVILLE, N.C. — A month-long narcotics investigation centered on a Whiteville residence culminated Thursday morning in multiple arrests, heavy bond amounts, and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff W.A. Rogers announced that members of the Special Operations Division Vice-Narcotics Unit, backed by the Criminal Investigation Division, executed a search warrant on August 27, 2026, at 1088 Vinson Boulevard in Whiteville.
The raid followed an extensive undercover operation throughout August that utilized targeted surveillance and multiple controlled substance purchases involving the residence and primary suspect Steven Best.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Three individuals present during or linked to the operation were taken into custody and face identical arrays of serious felony drug trafficking and distribution charges:
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Steven Scott Best, 55, of Whiteville, NC — Charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule III controlled substance; maintaining a dwelling/place for a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He received a $125,000 secured bond.
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Tara Shawn Little, 54, of Tabor City, NC — Facing the same sweeping list of drug trafficking and manufacturing counts, alongside maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances and drug paraphernalia charges. In addition to her narcotics charges, Little was served with an outstanding warrant for probation violation. She is being held under a $275,000 secured bond.
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Wesley Scott Best, 31, of Tabor City, NC — Charged on identical counts of cocaine trafficking, multiple counts of intent to manufacture/sell/deliver controlled substances (methamphetamine, Schedule II, and Schedule III), maintaining a dwelling, and drug paraphernalia offenses. He received a $100,000 secured bond.
Ongoing Enforcement Commitment
The Sheriff’s Office noted that the dismantling of the Vinson Boulevard operation underscores local law enforcement’s ongoing, proactive push against regional drug distribution networks. Authorities emphasized that investigations remain active as they continue to target illicit narcotics suppliers across Columbus County.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
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