North Carolina Drug, Weapons Bust

(Wilmington, North Carolina) Three people were arrested Tuesday on drug and weapons charges during a coordinated raid by the Wilmington Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Lamont James Stevenson, 34, Kathryn Elizabeth Williams, 21, and UNCW student Ashley Elizabeth Ricks, 21, face charges of drug trafficking, possession of stolen weapons, maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for drug purposes, and possessing drug paraphernalia.


  
Stevenson --- Williams --- Ricks
Eighteen pounds of marijuana, 2,200 ecstasy pills, 11 guns (three of them stolen), $28,000 in cash and a laptop computer were confiscated. It's believed the computer was used to organize the entire alleged illegal operation.

According to WPD Capt. Bruce Hickman, all three detainees face potentially harsh state punishments and federal prosecutors may take an interest in the case.

The seized guns include an array of pistols and an imitation version of a MAC-10, which Hickman said is similar to an Uzi. The gun seized is a compact, semi-automatic, and with certain clips could hold up to 30 rounds.

“When you start mixing guns with dope, it’s an accident waiting to happen,” he [Hickman] said.

The three were booked into custody at the New Hanover County Jail on $1 million secured bonds.