COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) — A former North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) sergeant, James Frederick Hinson, has been arrested and charged in a significant drug trafficking case involving his business in Whiteville.
Hinson, 46, was taken into custody by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office after investigators uncovered that he was allegedly selling opioids, including Oxycodone Hydrochloride, out of his store, Shipwrecked Seafood and Produce.
🚨 Charges Filed Against Hinson:
8 counts of trafficking opium or heroin
2 counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance
3 counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances
2 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia
Arrest warrants allege that Hinson knowingly used his store to store and sell controlled substances. He is accused of selling between 4 and 14 grams of opioids on January 29 and February 24.
District Attorney Jon David confirmed that Hinson previously served as a sergeant with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, adding to the shock of the case.
As of now, Hinson has been released on an $80,000 bond, and further details remain under wraps pending ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as WECT continues to follow this case.
