NORTH CAROLINA — Two men are facing multiple drug-related charges after a traffic stop in Kinston led to the discovery of drugs and cash, according to police.
The Kinston Police Department said officers stopped a vehicle on West New Bern Road near Vernon Avenue at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
During the stop, K-9 Loki alerted officers to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. Police then searched the vehicle and reportedly found fentanyl, marijuana, oxycodone, methamphetamine and more than $6,500 in cash.
Authorities arrested the driver, 34-year-old Joseph Soto, and passenger, 45-year-old Dennis Sutton.
Soto was charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, identity theft, obstructing justice, manufacture of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked and expired registration.
Sutton faces three counts of trafficking fentanyl, possession with intent to sell or deliver fentanyl, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony conspiracy, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, manufacture of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, littering and failure to wear a seatbelt.
Both men were taken to the Lenoir County Jail.
Police said Soto is being held on a $150,000 secured bond. Sutton received a $21,000 bond on some charges and is being held without bond on other offenses.
