Man accused of selling prescription drug that treats opioid addiction

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Bladen County Sheriff’s Office says a Bladenboro man was charged and arrested for allegedly selling suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction.

The arrest of Jonathon Wade Hester, 25, comes after an investigation in the Storms Road area of Bladen County.

“Suboxone is similar to methadone in its intended use,”  Sheriff James A. McVicker said. “It is meant to treat addiction but sadly it can be abused and become addictive itself or serve as a substitute when addicts cannot obtain the drug of their choice.”

Hester was charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Schedule III Controlled Substance, one count of Sell and Deliver Schedule III Controlled Substance and one count of Manufacturing Schedule III Controlled Substance.

Hester was booked into the Bladen County Detention Center under a $51,500 secured bond and will have a first appearance hearing in Bladen District Court Tuesday.

“I and my entire office is dedicated to helping in the opioid epidemic we are facing in this area. We will continue to invest manpower and money into fighting this problem,” McVicker said. “We know all to well the far reaching and devastating effect it has not only on those who are addicted but even more so on their families and loved ones.”