One person arrested following drug bust in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — A man recently released from prison is back behind bars after Jackson County deputies discovered drugs, firearms, and cash during a traffic stop over the weekend.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a vehicle around 5 p.m.

Saturday on Skyland Drive in Sylva after noticing a taillight was out and the driver failed to signal when turning. The stop took place in the Food Lion parking lot.

Deputies deployed K9 Aries, who alerted to the presence of narcotics.

A search of the vehicle turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms—a .380 caliber handgun and a Diamond Back 300 Blackout rifle. Deputies also seized $3,244 in cash.

The driver was identified as Dennis Woodrow Shelton Jr., who had recently been released from prison on March 28 after serving time for an attempted drug trafficking charge, according to the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Shelton is now facing several new charges, including:

• Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• Two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon
• Simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance
• Possession of marijuana up to ½ ounce

He was taken into custody and remains jailed as the investigation continues.