A man from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, has been charged in connection with a fatal overdose that occurred in Carteret County over a year ago. Zabriel Johnson, aged 31, faces multiple charges, including death by distribution of drugs, possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and selling and delivering cocaine and Schedule II controlled substances.
Johnson’s arrest followed a brief chase earlier this month in Halifax County, where he was apprehended by local authorities. According to the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson is accused of selling a combination of cocaine and fentanyl to Scott Wright, a 55-year-old man from Newport. Wright was found deceased in his home in October 2023, and the Medical Examiner determined that the cause of death was a toxic combination of cocaine and fentanyl.
The investigation into Wright’s death began shortly after his body was discovered. Authorities linked Johnson to the incident after tracing the drugs sold to Wright. The use of fentanyl, a potent opioid, has led to a growing number of overdose-related deaths across the country, and the sale of fentanyl-laced substances has become a serious concern for law enforcement.
Johnson is currently being held in custody on a $650,000 secured bond, as he awaits further legal proceedings. His charges reflect the severity of his alleged role in distributing deadly substances, and the case highlights the ongoing issue of fentanyl-related overdose deaths, which have claimed many lives in recent years.
Law enforcement officials continue to address the rise in drug-related fatalities and emphasize the need for public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and other potent substances. The case is part of a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for drug distribution that leads to fatal consequences.
