North Carolina Drug Arrests Span Four Counties

Authorities in several North Carolina counties reported separate drug-related arrests and investigations. In Gaston County, Howard Thomas Boulware was arrested after a months-long cocaine investigation that yielded cocaine, marijuana, MDMA, cash and three firearms; he faces trafficking and other charges and is being held without bond. In Lenoir County, a 55-year-old man accused of trafficking cocaine was arrested after police said they found 10 ounces in his car and another ounce and cash at his home; his secured bond was $250,000. In Caldwell County, Jeffery Michael Smith faces three felony drug charges and is held on a $25,000 secured bond. Two Hickory-area arrests involved William Trace Dyer, charged with felony drug possession and cocaine possession, and Justin Neil Deitz, charged with felony possession of a Schedule II substance and other drug offenses.