K-9 Alert During Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of More Than 13 Pounds of Meth, North Carolina Deputies Say

#KRITICIZM - A routine traffic stop in Forest City, North Carolina, quickly escalated into a major drug investigation after deputies allegedly discovered more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine inside a mailed package during a vehicle search.

According to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped Raymond Earl Johnson on Broadway Street on July 16 following surveillance related to suspected methamphetamine trafficking.

During the traffic stop, K-9 Ranger conducted a free-air sniff around Johnson’s vehicle and reportedly alerted deputies to the odor of narcotics. Investigators said the alert established probable cause to search the vehicle.

Authorities allege they first recovered drug paraphernalia from Johnson before locating a large, unopened mailed package addressed to him inside the vehicle. When investigators opened the package, they reportedly found approximately 13.6 pounds (6,169 grams) of methamphetamine.

The investigation was carried out by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the United States Postal Service.

Johnson was taken into custody without incident and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while license revoked.

He was initially held without bond following his arrest. However, during a court appearance on July 17, a judge set his bond at $500,000 secured. His next court hearing was scheduled for August 5.

Methamphetamine trafficking charges involving such large quantities can carry severe penalties under North Carolina law if a defendant is convicted.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced whether additional arrests or charges are expected.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Johnson are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.