On June 15th at approximately 2 p.m., officers from Goldsboro Police Department’s VICE Unit and Special Enforcement Unit were performing surveillance of the parking lot at 518 E. Elm St., which is Donel Express Mart.

While conducting surveillance, Special Enforcement Unit officers witnessed a man in a white T-shirt with a black bag in the parking lot area conducting several hand-to-hand transactions that were consistent with drug transactions. Officers from the VICE Unit and Special Enforcement Unit approached the male suspect in the parking lot area.

During a probable cause search of his person, a concealed firearm, suspected marijuana, and suspected heroin were in the bag affixed to his person. The male was identified as Arraqib Ahad Hardy. While examining the firearm, it was determined to have an auto-sear attached to the firearm. An auto-sear, or “switch,” is a device that allows a firearm to become fully automatic.

While speaking with Hardy, it was learned that he was on active federal parole and was unable to possess firearms. During a criminal history check of Hardy, it was determined he had several felonious convictions in state and federal court.

Hardy is also a validated Bloods gang member through the Department of Corrections. Hardy was arrested and transported to the Wayne County Jail, where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm by Felon (F), Possession of a Weapon of Mass Destruction (F), Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Heroin (F), Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana (F), and Carrying a Concealed Gun (M). Hardy was held at the Wayne County Jail on a $500,000 secured bond.