BOLTON, NC — A routine traffic stop in Columbus County led to drug trafficking charges and the arrest of a Holly Ridge woman on Tuesday.
On Oct. 13, 2026, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit assisted the North Carolina Highway Patrol with a traffic stop at the intersection of Andrew Jackson Highway and Sam Potts Highway in Bolton.
During the investigation, Highway Patrol troopers located varied amounts of methamphetamine—a Schedule II controlled substance—along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Vice and narcotics agents responded to the scene and took custody of the seized substances.
The driver, identified as Amanda Marie Hawksworth, 39, of Holly Ridge, NC, was arrested and transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center.
Upon arrival at the facility, detention officers put Hawksworth through a body scanner, revealing additional quantities of opium or heroin concealed on her person in amounts consistent with drug trafficking.
Hawksworth faces a slate of felony charges, including:
-
4 Counts of Felony Trafficking in Opium or Heroin
-
Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
-
Felony Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine
-
Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance on Prison/Jail Premises
-
Felony Obstructing Justice
-
Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Hawksworth was not granted bond due to being out on bond for previous offenses at the time of her arrest.
All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and case statuses may change as investigations and court proceedings continue.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com | Jones Media Partners LLC
No content from this publication may be reproduced, republished, or used for commercial purposes without prior written authorization from Jones Media Partners LLC. For questions or comments call 910.898.2770 or you can reach out via our Contact Page.
Be the first to comment