Man in custody, another sought after drug investigation in Bladenboro

BLADENBORO, NC (WECT) – Numerous tips from the public over the past few months prompted the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics Unit to investigate drug trafficking in the town of Bladenboro.

During the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office was able to make undercover drug buys on Anne Street and Wateree Park.

“On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Drug Unit, Community Impact Team, Criminal Investigation Unit, and Patrol Division executed a search warrant in the 500 block of Anne Street in Bladenboro, North Carolina. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for Derrick Ian Locklear and Sabastion Jospha Mortis on numerous drug violations,” the BCSO press release states.

Locklear, a 43-year-old Bladenboro resident, was arrested in Robeson County on Monday, August 19, and charged with:

• Three cases of sale of Schedule II substances
• Three cases of supply of List II substances
• Three cases of manufacturing of Schedule II controlled substances
• Three counts of aggravated possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
• Three counts of conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substances
• Three counts of possession of a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances
• Three counts of manufacture/sale/delivery/possession of controlled substances within 300 metres of a park
• Three cases of marijuana sales
• Three cases of marijuana delivery
• Two counts of conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule VI controlled substances
• Three cases of manufacturing of Schedule VI controlled substances
• Three counts of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver
• Three counts of possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver a Schedule II controlled substance
• Conspiracy Traffic Methamphetamine

Locklear was given an $815,000 secured bond and is being held at the Bladen County Detention Center.

The sheriff’s office is still looking for Sabastion Jospha Mortis, who also lives in Bladenboro. Mortis has warrants out for the following:

• Two counts of conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substances
• Two counts of manufacture/sale/delivery/possession of controlled substances within 300 metres of a park
• Deliver marijuana
• Two counts of conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule VI controlled substances
• Manufacture of Schedule VI controlled substances

“Sheriff James A. McVicker would like to thank the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance in this investigation,” the release continued. “The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office tirelessly pursues criminal elements operating in and around Bladen County. All citizens are encouraged to contact the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office with any information regarding individuals selling illegal controlled substances in Bladen County.”

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