Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Trafficking Arrest in Rutherford County

On September 23, troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 221A for a traffic violation. During the stop, troopers developed probable cause to believe that controlled substances were inside the vehicle and requested assistance from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded and assisted with the search of the vehicle. Following the search, the driver, identified as Joshua Smith, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver (PWIMSD) marijuana

• PWIMSD methamphetamine

• Trafficking a Schedule IV controlled substance

• PWIMSD a Schedule II controlled substance

• Felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance

• Carrying a concealed weapon (knife)

• Carrying a concealed firearm

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Driving while impaired

  
  

Smith was booked into custody and given a $250,000 secured bond.