New Northeastern Drug Task Force Formed

Agencies to share resources and coordinate efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Law enforcement agencies in northeastern North Carolina have formed a new drug task force to combat drug trafficking and associated crime in the region. The task force will combine investigative resources, intelligence-sharing, and prosecutorial coordination to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the area.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking and drug-related crime are major concerns for communities in northeastern North Carolina. By pooling resources and coordinating efforts across jurisdictions, the new task force aims to more effectively tackle these issues and improve public safety.

The details

The task force includes four county sheriff's offices, two municipal police departments, the District Attorney's Office, and three State Bureau of Investigation agents. The group will focus on addressing the broader impacts of drug use, including associated crime and public safety concerns. Agencies without dedicated drug enforcement officers will also be able to request assistance from the task force.

  • The task force was recently formed in February 2026.

The players

Hawley

A leader involved in putting the task force together.

Cruden

A member of the task force who stated the need for such a collaborative effort.

Doughtie

A member of the task force who emphasized the benefits of working together as a team.

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What they’re saying

“Drugs don't stop at county lines or jurisdiction lines. We have to be able to go after the people selling drugs to our community.”

— Cruden (thecoastlandtimes.com)

“It just makes it nice that we can get things done together. It's a whole lot better to do things as a family rather than piecing it together by yourself. They say partnerships like this help ensure drugs like marijuana and fentanyl continue to be seized, which will then save lives.”

— Doughtie (thecoastlandtimes.com)

What’s next

The task force plans to continue its coordinated efforts to identify and disrupt drug trafficking networks in the region.

The takeaway

By pooling resources and working collaboratively across jurisdictions, the new drug task force aims to more effectively combat the complex and interconnected issues of drug trafficking, drug-related crime, and public safety in northeastern North Carolina.