IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A Charlotte man faces multiple felony charges after Iredell County deputies said they seized approximately 152 pounds of marijuana and marijuana products during a traffic stop on Harmony Highway.
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said Lt. C.S. Little was patrolling northern Iredell County on Sept. 16 when he stopped a vehicle driven by 44-year-old Clarence Edgar Winslow of Charlotte.
During the stop, deputies observed signs that prompted further investigation into possible drug activity and impairment, according to the sheriff’s office.
A search of the vehicle by Little and Deputy T. Pass uncovered a loaded concealed handgun inside a backpack, multiple ecstasy pills, an open container of alcohol, more than $5,000 in cash and several vacuum-sealed packages containing marijuana, Campbell said.
Deputies continued searching the vehicle and found boxes containing approximately 150 pounds of marijuana and another 2.74 pounds of marijuana wax. The sheriff’s office estimated the total street value of the seized marijuana and marijuana products at approximately $225,000.
Investigators said the packaging and other evidence found during the traffic stop were consistent with drug distribution.
Winslow was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center and charged with felony trafficking Level II by transport and possession, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of Schedule I ecstasy, felony carrying a concealed gun and felony possession of Schedule VI marijuana wax.
He was also charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while impaired, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and possession of an open container of alcohol.
Magistrate S. Johnson issued a $200,000 secured bond on the drug and firearm charges and an additional $2,500 secured bond on the DWI charge.
Winslow is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
