NORTH CAROLINA — Drugs with an estimated street value of more than $10,000 were seized during a traffic stop on New Year’s Day in Rutherford County, according to the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force.
Authorities said the investigation began at Sterling Oaks Apartments in Spindale following multiple complaints about suspected narcotics activity. As part of that investigation, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation.
During the stop, investigators said an officer smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver, identified as Javier Afanador, reportedly told officers that marijuana had been smoked in the car earlier. Officers also observed a large amount of cash that Afanador allegedly attempted to conceal, along with drug paraphernalia in plain view.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a hidden lockbox concealed inside the center console behind a removable panel, investigators said. The lockbox was secured to a support strut with a cable, preventing it from being easily removed. Another officer was called to the scene to provide tools needed to retrieve the box.
Inside the lockbox, authorities said they found four bags of powder fentanyl, each weighing approximately 25.5 grams. Investigators also recovered $1,874 in cash, digital scales, small baggies, plastic straws, and a small plastic container with methamphetamine residue.
The total street value of the seized narcotics was estimated at approximately $10,200. Afanador was charged with trafficking in opium or heroin (fentanyl) and trafficking by transportation in opium or heroin (fentanyl). The investigation remains ongoing.
