Nearly 45 Lbs of Marijuana Seized in Johnston County Drug Busts

Authorities arrested two suspects and confiscated heroin, meth, and a large quantity of pot in separate incidents over two days

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:22am

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Law enforcement in Johnston County, North Carolina seized around 44 pounds of marijuana in two separate incidents last week, including a drug raid that also netted heroin and methamphetamine. Authorities arrested two suspects, one of whom was already on probation for meth distribution and was jailed on a $1.1 million bond.

Why it matters

The large drug seizures highlight the ongoing battle against the illegal drug trade in rural North Carolina communities, where law enforcement continues to target major traffickers and dealers. The arrests also raise questions about the effectiveness of the state's probation system and bail policies for repeat offenders.

The details

On Thursday, U.S. Federal Probation Agents and Johnston County deputies executed a search warrant at a home near Kenly, where they discovered and seized about 12 pounds of marijuana, over 4 ounces of heroin, and nearly 66 grams of methamphetamine. They also found $25,371 in cash. The suspect, Manuel Rivera Sanchez, was already on probation for meth distribution and was arrested on seven felony charges, including drug trafficking. He was jailed on a $1.1 million bond. The larger drug bust occurred on Friday when Kenly police tried to stop a driver on Interstate 95, leading to a high-speed chase that ended with the seizure of 32 additional pounds of marijuana. A Fayetteville man was arrested on various charges.

  • On Thursday, April 3, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant and made an arrest.
  • On Friday, April 4, 2026, police initiated a high-speed chase that resulted in another drug seizure.

The players

Manuel Rivera Sanchez

A 43-year-old suspect who was already on probation for meth distribution and was arrested on seven felony charges, including drug trafficking, after authorities seized 12 pounds of marijuana, over 4 ounces of heroin, and nearly 66 grams of methamphetamine from his home.

Kenly Police Department

The law enforcement agency that initiated a high-speed chase on Interstate 95 that led to the seizure of an additional 32 pounds of marijuana.

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What’s next

Sanchez is scheduled to appear in the Johnston County Courthouse on Monday afternoon for his first court appearance. Authorities may pursue additional charges related to the high-speed chase incident.

The takeaway

These drug busts demonstrate the persistent challenge of combating the illegal drug trade, even in smaller communities, and raise concerns about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring repeat offenders.