FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two Pittsburgh men face cocaine trafficking charges in Iredell County following a vehicle stop on Interstate 77.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Lance Levar Abram, 40, and Emanuel Joshua Abram, 42, in a news release Monday.

Deputies assigned to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team stopped a 2002 Cadillac Deville for traffic violations on I-77 north in the area of the 67 Mile Marker on Saturday, August 15, Campbell said.

While questioning the men, deputies became suspicious due to inconsistencies in their travel plans and other issues related to their travel plans, according to the news release. K-9 “Bosco” was brought to the scene to perform a walk-around of the vehicle and gave a positive alert for the odor of illegal narcotics coming from inside the vehicle, Campbell said.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located 358 grams of powder cocaine concealed inside of a speaker box in the trunk of the car, Campbell said. Deputies also seized marijuana and $3,563 in cash, according to the news release.

Lance Abram and Emanuel Abram were taken into custody without incident. They were transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where each was charged with Felony Trafficking Cocaine by Possession, Felony Trafficking Cocaine by Transportation, Felony Possession of Cocaine.

Both suspects appeared before Magistrate Thompson, who issued Lance Abram a $300,000 secured bond. Emanuel Abram was issued a $350,000 due to being on parole for previous drug related charges.