COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A Columbus County Sheriff’s detective was arrested Monday on drug charges.

According to officials, the Sheriff’s Office and the Vice/Narcotics Unit began an investigation after receiving tips about opiates being distributing throughout the county.

Narcotics detectives made undercover purchases from Christi Caraballo Heath, 32, of Whiteville, as a part of the investigation. Heath was employed as a criminal detective at the sheriff’s office during the investigation.

Detectives concluded the investigation Monday by arresting Heath, who was immediately terminated. She was charged with maintaining a place for a schedule II controlled substance and possession with the intent to manufacture/sell/deliver a scheduled II controlled substance.

She was placed in the Columbus County Detention Center, but was released after posting a $20,000 bond, according to records.

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