FROM STAFF REPORTS

A California man was jailed in lieu of a $500,000 bond following his arrest on drug trafficking charges in Iredell County.

On Wednesday, February 2, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on a 2020 Ford Expedition on Interstate 77 South at Tomlin Mill Road for a traffic violation, Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a news release.

After stopping the vehicle, deputies spoke with the driver, identified as Victor Curtis Morrison Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.

While speaking to Morrison about the traffic violation, deputies detected signs of possible criminal activity, Campbell said.

ICSO K9 Abby was transported to the scene to assist with the traffic stop and gave a positive alert for the odor and presence of illegal narcotics, according to the news release. The deputies searched the vehicle and located over 66 pounds of high-grade marijuana in vacuumed sealed bags hidden in a large duffle bag in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, Campbell said.

The marijuana seized has an estimated street value of $299,680, according to the ICSO.

Morrison, 34, was arrested without incident and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with felony trafficking marijuana by transport, felony trafficking marijuana by possession, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony maintain a vehicle for the sale or use of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Magistrate Russell issued the $500,000 secured bond on these charges.