A Carthage cocaine trafficking sentence is sending a Moore County man to prison for nearly two decades following a major narcotics investigation.
Phillip Covington was sentenced by Judge Stephen Stokes to a combined minimum of 210 months in prison after being convicted of trafficking cocaine and related charges. The case stemmed from a 2023 investigation conducted by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Investigation Led to Major Cocaine Seizure
Authorities began investigating Covington in July 2023 on suspicion of cocaine trafficking. On November 21, 2023, detectives executed a search warrant at his residence.
During that search, officers seized more than two kilograms of cocaine. Prosecutors said the quantity supported multiple trafficking charges under North Carolina law.
A Moore County jury found Covington guilty of trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. After the verdict, he entered additional guilty pleas for related trafficking and firearm charges.
District Attorney Praises Law Enforcement
Moore and Hoke County District Attorney Mike Hardin thanked the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, the SBI, and jurors who served during the trial.
The Carthage cocaine trafficking sentence reflects one of the more significant drug convictions in Moore County in recent months.
Drug trafficking cases remain a priority for local law enforcement agencies across the Sandhills region, including Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinehurst.
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