RALEIGH -- Six people are awaiting court proceedings on arrests for operating a prescription drug ring in Eastern North Carolina that yielded more than 6,000 illegally obtained pills valued at $50,000, according to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Four local law enforcement agencies and the SBI combined efforts to investigate Amy Wynne Blankenship, 36, of Rocky Point, her two brothers and three of their friends who police believe were selling a large number of the illegally obtained drugs, mainly Lorcet. Blankenship was a receptionist in a Hampstead doctor’s office from where she allegedly called in unauthorized prescriptions to local pharmacies in the names of her brothers and friends who then picked up the drugs.

“This excellent example of teamwork between the N.C. SBI and local law enforcement agencies allowed officers to dismantle this drug ring and reduce the amount of potentially deadly narcotics being sold on the streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Donnie Varnell of the SBI Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit.

Blankenship was arrested on 35 drug charges including fraud/forgery, trafficking, conspiracy and simple possession.

Also charged with fraud/forgery, trafficking and simple possession are:

• Michael A. Wynne, 24, Castle Hayne
• Stephen D. Wynne, 31, Castle Hayne
• Matthew D. Cooper, 26, Wilmington
• Lavon C. Gavins, 31, Wilmington
• Elizabeth D. Andrews, Siler City

This investigation was conducted by the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department, Carolina Beach Police Department, Pender County Sheriff’s Office and the SBI.

Contact: Teresa West
Phone: (919) 582-8511