On July 15, 2016, investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit arrested Thomas James Hardee, 41 years of age, of 4910 Dixon Road in Grimesland. Hardee was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.

Hardee’s arrest stemmed from investigators conducting surveillance and following Hardee from his residence in Grimesland to the trash dump located on the Gray Road in Chocowinity. Investigators searched the trash bags that Hardee had thrown in the dumpster. Investigators found toxic waste material from a meth lab and other items used to manufacture methamphetamine. Investigators searched Hardee’s residence in Grimesland and found approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine.

Clandestine Lab Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations responded and assisted in collecting evidence and removing toxic materials. Hardee was currently out on bond for manufacturing methamphetamine and was detained in the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond.