Traffic stop leads to major cocaine seizure and arrest

Traffic stop leads to major cocaine seizure and arrest

On July 17, 2025, at approximately 10:25 p.m., members of the Kinston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Cunningham Road near Highway 11 North for motor vehicle violations.

During the stop, a K9 unit was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff for illegal narcotics. The K9 gave a positive indication, prompting officers to search the vehicle. The search resulted in the discovery of approximately 916 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $46,000.

The driver, identified as 40-year-old Milton Barcliff of Kinston, was arrested without incident. Barcliff was transported to the Lenoir County Detention Center, where he was held without bond due to being on pretrial release for a prior charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Barcliff faces the following charges:

-Trafficking in Cocaine

-Manufacture of Cocaine

-Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine

-Maintaining a Vehicle for the Purpose of Controlled Substance Distribution

-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

-Driving While License Revoked

The Kinston Police Department remains committed to removing illegal narcotics from our community.


Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.

We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.


Lenoir County sued over alleged $1.3 million fraudulent payment, FBI investigating

Lenoir County sued over alleged $1.3 million fraudulent payment, FBI investigating

2025 Municipal Elections are Set - Here are your candidates

2025 Municipal Elections are Set - Here are your candidates