On Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, members of the Kinston Police Department Narcotics Unit  concluded two narcotics investigations that spanned the course of nearly 3 months. This  operation was conducted as a part of the department’s initiative to suppress violent crime in the  city.  

Both investigations were concluded with the execution of search warrants by members of the Kinston Police Departments SWAT Team. The first search warrant was executed at a residence on the 400 block of N. Adkin St. in Kinston and was for the distribution of crack cocaine. During the warrant service, Michael Hooks, 40 of Kinston was arrested without incident. Michael Hooks was charged with Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Distribution of a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School, Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School, Possession with the Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine, and Felony Maintaining a Dwelling for the Distribution of Narcotics. Michael Hooks was placed in the Lenoir County Detention Center under a $190,000 bond.

On October 7th, 2021, Maurice Hooks 40, of Kinston was arrested for his involvement in the case and charged with Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver Cocaine and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance within 1000 feet of a School. Maurice Hooks was placed in the Lenoir County Detention Center