New Bern, NC – A 53-year-old man was arrested on Saturday night after police officers in New Bern conducted a traffic stop that led to the discovery of over 2,200 grams of suspected cocaine, authorities said. The bust, one of the largest in the area this year, has resulted in major drug trafficking charges and a $1 million bond for the suspect.
The Incident: Late-Night Traffic Stop Leads to Major Drug Discovery
According to the New Bern Police Department, officers were conducting proactive patrols along U.S. Highway 70 around 10:30 p.m. when they initiated a stop on a vehicle for unspecified traffic violations. During the encounter, a K-9 unit was deployed to inspect the vehicle.
The police dog alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, prompting a full search of the car. Inside, officers found approximately 2,221 grams—nearly five pounds—of a substance believed to be cocaine.
Authorities said the estimated street value of the drugs ranges between $133,000 and $444,000, depending on the substance’s purity.
“This seizure represents a significant disruption to illegal drug activity in our community,” a New Bern police spokesperson said. “The officers’ vigilance and use of proactive policing strategies helped keep a large amount of dangerous drugs off our streets.”
Investigation and Charges Filed
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kevin David Ringling, 53, of North Carolina. After officers confirmed the discovery, Ringling was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in cocaine.
He was transported to the Craven County Jail, where he appeared before a magistrate and was issued a $1,000,000 secured bond. Police records show that Ringling’s first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, October 27, in Craven County District Court.
Law enforcement agencies said additional charges could be filed pending laboratory testing of the seized substance and the completion of the ongoing investigation.
Police Response and Community Impact
Local authorities have praised the K-9 unit and officers involved in the operation for their swift response and attention to suspicious activity. Police say the traffic stop is part of an ongoing initiative targeting large-scale drug trafficking along major highways in eastern North Carolina.
“Highway 70 and other regional corridors are often used by traffickers to move illegal substances across state lines,” the department said in a press release. “Proactive patrols like this one are critical in stopping the flow of drugs and protecting our residents.”
Residents in New Bern have expressed gratitude and relief, noting that such arrests reinforce community safety and signal that local law enforcement remains active in combating the drug trade.
Background Context: North Carolina’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking
North Carolina law enforcement agencies have seen a rise in cocaine and fentanyl-related trafficking cases over the past two years. According to state data, Craven County and nearby regions have reported multiple high-value drug seizures along U.S. Highway 70 and Interstate 40, which are known routes for narcotics distribution.
Officials say operations like this one are part of a statewide crackdown on organized drug networks, emphasizing that community cooperation and public awareness remain key in preventing further incidents.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The New Bern Police Department confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, with detectives working to determine whether Ringling was operating independently or connected to a larger trafficking network.
Authorities plan to conduct forensic testing on the seized drugs to confirm their composition and purity. The results will influence potential federal or state-level enhancements to the current charges.
Conclusion
The arrest of Kevin David Ringling marks a significant win for local law enforcement in their fight against drug trafficking. With over two kilograms of cocaine removed from circulation, New Bern police say the operation highlights the importance of proactive patrols and K-9-assisted searches in keeping the community safe.
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