FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Charlotte man faces drug trafficking charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies found fentanyl pills hidden in his vehicle during a traffic stop in Statesville.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Ronnie Eugene Burleson, 52, of Farmhurst Drive, Charlotte in a news release Tuesday.

ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation on Garner Bagnal Boulevard in Statesville on August 13, Campbell said.

During the course of the stop, the driver of the vehicle, Burleson, provided information to the deputies that increased their suspicions of illegal activity, according to the news release.

Canine Brandi was then deployed to assist with the vehicle stop and gave a positive alert to a narcotic odor inside the vehicle, Campbell said.

Deputies then searched the vehicle and uncovered 31.6 grams of pressed fentanyl pills, which were located under the driver’s seat, according to the news release.

Burleson was arrested and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Level III Trafficking Opioid by Transport, and Felony Level III Trafficking Opioid by Possession.

The suspect appeared before Magistrate Hollar, who issued a $500,000 secured bond on these charges.