NORTH CAROLINA — A traffic stop in Cabarrus County led to the seizure of nearly 80 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of a man now facing felony drug trafficking charges, according to the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were conducting traffic enforcement along N.C. Highway 49 on April 29 when they stopped a vehicle. During the stop, a K-9 unit alerted deputies to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.
Investigators said a search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 78 pounds of methamphetamine, making it one of the largest drug seizures in the area in recent memory.
The driver, identified as Benjamin Vejar Hernandez, was arrested at the scene and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Authorities said he is being held in jail under a $1 million secured bond.
The Sheriff’s Office also confirmed that Hernandez is being held under an ICE detainer related to his immigration status.
“This case is a direct result of proactive enforcement and the vigilance of our deputies,” Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw said in a statement. “Our office remains committed to protecting the citizens of Cabarrus County by aggressively targeting those who bring illegal narcotics into our community.”
Shaw added that the department’s efforts are intended to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs and improve public safety throughout the county.
The investigation remains ongoing.
