NORTH CAROLINA — Three teenagers were arrested after police say officers discovered marijuana, firearms and cash during a traffic stop in Kinston on Friday night.
According to the Kinston Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle on Highway 11 North at approximately 8:15 p.m. for a motor vehicle violation.
During the stop, police said officers developed evidence indicating drugs were inside the vehicle. One of the occupants reportedly showed officers a shoebox containing more than two ounces of factory-packaged marijuana.
Authorities said a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of two firearms and more than $1,100 in cash.
The driver, identified as 19-year-old Ki’mari Shelton, along with two underage passengers, was arrested as part of the investigation.
Shelton is charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, conspiracy to sell or deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances and carrying a concealed gun.
Police said they are working with Juvenile Justice officials to obtain petitions against the two juvenile passengers. The proposed charges include possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, conspiracy to sell or deliver marijuana and carrying a concealed gun.
Shelton was booked into the Lenoir County Jail under a $30,000 secured bond.
According to police, Shelton is currently on probation in Washington County for financial card fraud and two counts of larceny.
The investigation remains ongoing.
