Armed drug trafficker in Tarboro sentenced to more than five years in prison
Nedall Alwan, 30, pled guilty to the charges on January 14, 2025.
Court documents say that in March 2023, the Tarboro Police Department and Edgecomb Sheriff's Office received information that Alwan, who was operating a vape and tobacco store in Tarboro, was selling narcotics. Officers made three controlled purchases of 'Perc 30' pills from Alwan between Mar. 8 and Apr. 5, 2023. On Apr. 6, 2023, officers searched Alwan's vape and tobacco business and found 290 'M-30' pills that contained 30 grams of fentanyl, a 9mm rifle, and $9,533.00 in U.S. currency. A 9mm handgun was also found in Alwan's car, and additional U.S. currency was found at his home.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Enforcement, Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office, and the Tarboro and Rocky Mount Police Departments investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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One of the major parts of Stourbridge town centre is the Ryemarket Shopping Centre, complete with its own multi-storey car park. When BlackCountryLive visited, we found the upper levels locked off to members of the public. A security guard, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The problem here is when the kids are off, there's different gangs. "From 5pm to 7pm, they are running amok, all in balaclavas. "They are throwing trollies down the stairs of the Ryemarket and off the car park, and taking what they can out of Costa at night time. "It's an ongoing problem every day." Regarding thieves stealing items from the Ryemarket and flogging them to members of the public, he said: "We have had that. "The regular shoplifters, most of them are in jail now. "What's going on is new people moved in (to Stourbridge) from a different area." He added: "Theft, we have that but we are okay with theft, at the moment it is very quiet." In a statement issued via West Midlands Police (WMP), Sgt Imran Mohammed said that a community meeting recently took place where the issue of begging was raised. Sgt Mohammed, from the Stourbridge neighbourhood team at WMP, said: "At our last community meeting, the issue of increased begging in Stourbridge was raised to us. "We carry out daily patrols, focusing on anti-social behaviour, begging hot spots and persistent offenders, often alongside our colleagues from Dudley Council. "If the offending is persistent, we issue warnings before looking to court orders and civil injunctions to ban the offender from a particular location." Meanwhile, the force has advised people who donate money on the street to instead make donations to Change into Action, which is a scheme in Dudley that supports charities and street teams Sgt Mohammed added: "We appreciate that people may want to give money to rough sleepers and we would encourage them to give to Change in Action. "We want to create a vibrant, safe town centre and we will continue to work with our partners to support those who genuinely need help." Aaron Powell, chairman of Stourbridge BID and the Ryemarket Shopping Centre's manager, said: "As both a business leader and a resident of Stourbridge, I understand the very real concerns raised by our local community - from residents and shoppers to business owners - around rough sleeping and the associated antisocial behaviour we are witnessing in the town centre. "This is not a new issue, nor is it one with a quick fix. "We've been working closely with our partners across the police, Dudley Council, and local outreach services for some time now, and while there are periods of improvement, the situation can often fluctuate. "That's why a long-term, joined-up approach like this is essential. "Our aim, alongside our partners, is to create a welcoming and safe town centre - a place where businesses can thrive, residents feel secure, and vulnerable people are supported through the right channels. "This partnership is an important step in that direction, and we're proud to play our part." Meanwhile, Cllr Ian Bevan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Dudley Council, said: "It was good to join the team on one of their routine patrols in Stourbridge. "With our police partners we assist people who are rough sleeping or in need of housing assistance. "Their regular presence also helps manage any antisocial behaviour issues that may arise in the town. "Anyone who is in need of help or support or if you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in the Dudley borough please contact our homelessness prevention team on 0300 555 2345." Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so using LiveChat on the West Midlands Police website or call 101. Alternatively, can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
