Independence Day ended up with two Kinston men enjoying a little less independence.
On July 4, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives and agents with state Alcohol Law Enforcement, State Bureau of Investigation and the state Highway Patrol air division conducted a marijuana eradication effort, leading to the arrest of Michael Anthony Hood, 37, and Eric Lee Hood, 33.
Troopers in a helicopter over the 1900 block of Neuse Road alerted detectives to marijuana plants on the ground, and detectives approached the residence where an LCSO statement said they made contact with an occupant who was smoking marijuana.
During a search of the property, detectives seized 21 marijuana plants — with an estimated worth of $105,000 — and a small bag of cocaine.
“This is great work by all of the partnering agencies,” Sheriff Chris Hill said in a statement. “We are grateful and proud to have one of the NCSHP helicopters stationed in our county. This state asset has been extremely beneficial during drug investigations, missing persons, locating stolen property and making fugitive arrests.”
Michael Hood was booked on charges of manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, receiving a bond of $3,000.
Eric Hood was charged with possession of cocaine and received a $1,500 bond.
The Hoods are both due in Lenoir County District Court on July 22.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.