Deputies at NC coast make arrest at yacht club after K-9 detects meth, officials say

COLINGTON ISLAND, N.C. (WAVY/WNCN) — Deputies in Dare County arrested a woman on drug charges this past week, officials said.

Around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, deputies were conducting a routine patrol on Colington Island near Kill Devil Hills, according to a news release from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were in the parking area of the marina at the Colington Harbour Yacht & Racquet Club when they spotted a woman sitting in a vehicle, the news release said.

During the encounter a K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of an illegal controlled substance, deputies said.

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Officers searched the woman’s belongings and found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, which was subsequently seized, the news release said.

The suspect, identified as Cheryl Hightman of Colington Island, was arrested, deputies said.

Hightman, 44, was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hightman was issued a $5,000 secured bond.

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