4 arrested in possession of handguns, drugs

BEULAVILLE — On March 4, Anthony James McCoy, 35, Trinity Alexis Smith, Prince Thompson, and Nykia Shanice Hodges were arrested during a traffic stop on NC 111 Highway near Beulaville.

Duplin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about individuals potentially carrying guns in the area of Quinn Estates Loop Drive. Authorities identified a vehicle matching the suspect’s car at the intersection of NC 111 Highway and Turkey Branch Road, which led to the arrests of McCoy, Thompson, Smith, and Hodges. During the incident, law enforcement seized marijuana, handguns, multiple rounds of ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

McCoy was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and put on a secured bond set at $30,000. Smith was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. Thomson faces charges for communicating threats and resisting a public officer, and Hodges is facing charges for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.