IFN Staff

A New York man faces felony drug charges after being stopped by an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Interstate 77.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Paul Daniel Sanchez, 28, of Port Chester, N.Y., on social media.

Sanchez was traveling north on I-77 in a Mercedes-Benz on September 3 when he was stopped for a traffic violation near the 61-mile marker by members of the ICSO Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team, Campbell said.

During the stop, Sanchez stated he was traveling from Charlotte to New York. While speaking with Sanchez, deputies observed several indicators of criminal activity, according to news release. The deputies also observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle, Campbell said.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 600 THC vape cartridges, according to the news release.

Sanchez was immediately taken into custody. He was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance, felony possession of a VI controlled substance, felony maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for controlled substances and a misdemeanor drug offense.

Magistrate Nethkan issued Sanchez a $75,000 secured bond on the charges.

“This case highlights the ongoing efforts of our Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team to stop illegal drugs from being transported through Iredell County and beyond,” Campbell said. “We remain committed to keeping our community safe by intercepting these substances before they reach our neighborhoods or schools.”