FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Virginia woman faces drug trafficking charges after the vehicle she was traveling in was stopped by an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Machallie Reann Meade, 23, of Warren Drive, St. Paul, Va., in a news release.

Meade was traveling in a vehicle stopped by Deputy J. Greene in the 1400 block of West Memorial Highway in Harmony on February 13, Campbell said. The vehicle matched the description of one in a suspicious vehicle report, according to the news release.

While speaking with Meade and a second occupant, identified as Patrick Jack Martin, 26, of Trifork Road, St. Pond, Va., Deputy Greene became suspicious of drug activity in the vehicle, Campbell said.

After talking further with Meade and Martin, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle, according to the news release. During a search of the vehicle, Deputy Garcia, who had arrived to assist with the stop, located 7.58 grams of heroin, Buprenorphine dosage units, and several items of drug paraphernalia, the sheriff said.

While searching criminal databases for information on the two suspects, the deputies learned that Martin had an outstanding Order for Arrest in Cabarrus County.

Deputies arrested both suspects and transported them to the Iredell County Detention Center.

Meade was charged with Felony Trafficking Opium or Heroin by Transport, Felony Trafficking Opium or Heron by Possession, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance, and two misdemeanor drug offenses.

She appeared before Magistrate H. Callejas, who issued a $250,000 dollar secured bond on her charges.

Martin received a $1,500 secured bond for the outstanding Order for Arrest.