Multiple Agency Investigation Leads to Arrest of Stokes Man for Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine Distribution

On January 23, 2026, Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit along with Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations and Pitt County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 40-year-old Cornelious Antoine Keyes of Stokes, NC on multiple drug charges.

This arrest stemmed from Investigators and SBI Agents conducting two search warrants on residences belonging to Keyes. As a result of this investigation, Deputies seized 192 grams of fentanyl, 137 grams of methamphetamine, 86 grams of cocaine, 1,257 grams of marijuana, 35 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, $5,916 in cash and a firearm.

Cornelious Keyes was arrested and held in the Pitt County Detention Center under no bond for the following charges:

- Two counts of Trafficking in Fentanyl

- Two counts of Trafficking in Methamphetamine

- Trafficking in Cocaine by Possession

- Three counts of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine

- Two counts of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana

- Two counts of Felony Possession of Marijuana

- Felony Possession of Schedule I

- Possession of a Firearm by Felon

- Felony Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling to Keep Controlled Substances

Sheriff Scott Hammonds asks anyone with information regarding suspected drug sale/use or any other crime to contact Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit your confidential tip by downloading the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office App and selecting Submit A Tip.