FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two suspects face drug trafficking charges after Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies found more than 28 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle during a traffic stop on Interstate 77.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Nicholas Alexander Smith, 28, of Saylorsburg, Pa., and Danielle Angie Finney, 28, of Macon, Ga., in a news release.

Deputies assigned to the ICSO Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on a 2020 Chevrolet sedan traveling south on I-77 at the 57 mile marker on Tuesday, February 8, Campbell said.

While speaking to Finney, who was driving, and Smith about the reasons for the traffic stop and inquiring about their travel plans, the deputies became suspicious about the suspects being involved in criminal activity, according to the news release.

ICSO K9 Connie was called to the scene and gave a positive alert for the odor and presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle, Campbell said.

The deputies searched the vehicle and located over 28 pounds of marijuana in several vacuum-sealed bags in the rear cargo area of the vehicle, according to the news release. The marijuana has an estimated street value of $127,650.

Finney and Smith were arrested on scene without incident. They were transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where each suspect was charged with Felony Trafficking Marijuana by Transport, Felony Trafficking Marijuana by Possession, and Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana.

Both suspects appeared before Magistrate Imes, who issued each suspect a $350,000 secured bond on these charges.