One person arrested following drug bust in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — A man is in custody facing multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop Saturday in Edgecombe County, authorities said.

According to the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a silver BMW traveling toward Vance Street in Rocky Mount with the driver texting behind the wheel.

The driver, later identified as Za’Lon Brown, was pulled over for using a mobile phone while operating the vehicle.

Officials said the deputy detected the smell of marijuana coming from the car, and after questioning, Brown admitted to having drugs in the vehicle.

A search of the BMW revealed ten bags of marijuana, totaling approximately 274.5 grams, along with a firearm.

Brown was arrested and charged with felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and felony maintaining a vehicle for the use or sale of controlled substances.

He also faces charges for operating a motor vehicle without a license and using a mobile phone while driving.

Brown was booked into the Edgecombe County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond.