Crime Wave in Kinston: A Week of Arrests, Drugs, and Property Crime

Kinston has been rocked by a string of crime incidents over the past week, each one adding to the city’s growing concerns about safety and justice. From larceny calls that turned into drug arrests, to a major marijuana bust, to fugitives caught on local streets, the stories paint a vivid picture of a community under pressure and in need of better guidance on how to reduce crime.

🚨 Walmart Larceny Leads to Meth Arrest

On Sunday night, December 7, 2025, Kinston Police responded to a larceny call at Walmart around 9:24 p.m. What began as a routine theft investigation quickly escalated when officers discovered methamphetamine in the suspect’s possession. The individual was taken into custody, facing charges not only for larceny but for drug possession — a reminder of how often property crime and narcotics overlap in Kinston.

🏠 Burglary on Hodges Farm Road

Just an hour later, at 10:01 p.m., deputies were dispatched to 2833 Hodges Farm Road for a reported burglary. Witnesses spotted a male and female unlawfully on the property, removing items from a trash dump area. By the end of the night, three suspects were arrested, charged with burglary and trespassing. The incident underscores the persistence of property crime in rural parts of Lenoir County.

🚔 Traffic Stop Nets Fugitive from Georgia

Earlier that same day, at 2:12 p.m., Kinston Police conducted a traffic stop on East Street. What seemed routine turned into a major arrest when officers discovered the driver was wanted in Georgia on outstanding charges. He was taken into custody, awaiting extradition. The arrest highlights how local traffic enforcement often intersects with broader interstate crime.

💊 Major Drug Bust: 35,000 Grams Seized

On Friday, December 5, 2025, Kinston Police made one of the largest drug seizures of the year. Officers stopped 30‑year‑old Wasim Ismail of Wilmington on North Queen Street. Inside his vehicle, they found 35,000 grams of marijuana and THC products, along with $12,000 in cash. Ismail now faces multiple counts of drug trafficking and money laundering. The bust is a stark reminder of how Kinston remains a corridor for narcotics distribution in eastern North Carolina.

⚠️ Community Reflection

Together, these incidents reveal the breadth of Kinston’s crime challenges: drug trafficking, property crime, and fugitives crossing state lines. Police continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers, stressing that community cooperation is essential in combating crime. But fail to offer incentives with a 10 million $ budget. It is time for the department to invest in the catch a criminal program and other programs geared towards crime reduction.

Bottom Line: In just one week, Kinston saw arrests for larceny, burglary, fugitive capture, and a massive drug bust. It’s a sobering snapshot of the city’s ongoing struggle with crime — and a reminder that vigilance and accountability remain critical for public safety.