Newport says building inspector fired after drug trafficking charges

NEWPORT, N.C. (WITN) - Newport is looking for a new building inspector after its current one was arrested on drug trafficking charges.

Joshua Dupree was charged Tuesday by Morehead City Police, according to warrants.

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Eadie told us this morning that Dupree has been fired from his job. The man had worked for the town since March of 2023.

Warrants say the 36-year-old used a red 1999 Toyota Tacoma to sell heroin.

Dupree is being charged with the following:

• Maintaining vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances
• 3 counts trafficking opium or heroin
• Possession of heroin
• Manufacture Schedule I controlled substance
• Possess drug paraphernalia

His bond was set to $500,000.

Eadie says Dupree’s arrest is not connected to the departure of the town manager. Bill Shanahan announced this week that he was leaving after 2-1/2 years on the job.