Detectives, deputy exposed to drugs during traffic stop; two arrested

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two people have been arrested after allegedly exposing officers to dangerous drugs during a traffic stop.

The Narcotics Division of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office was seen investigating a vehicle on I-40 Thursday evening.

Traffic was slowed down Thursday evening during the search (Photo: Dragan Limo)

During the search, two Detectives and a Deputy were exposed to a dangerous opioid drug, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Lewis Rudolph Brown Drayton and 24-year-old Charmaine Inez Cuttino.

During the arrest, the Sheriff’s Office says Drayton attempted to throw drugs out of his vehicle, in the process, exposing two Detectives and a Deputy to a powerful and highly addictive opioid drug.

The detective who lost consciousness was immediately administered Narcan. All three were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and later released.

Drayton and Cuttino have been taken into custody and are being held on multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.

The investigation is still ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.