IFN Staff

Two suspects felony drug charges after an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office investigation culminated with the seizure of methamphetamine and controlled substances during the search of a home in northern Iredell County.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of James William Smith, 48, and Kira Holly James, 43, both of Fairdale Road, in a news release.

Narcotics investigators opened an investigation after receiving complaints from residents about possible drug activity occurring at the suspects’ residence, Campbell said. After conducting surveillance operations, detectives identified Smith as a suspect and then purchased crystal methamphetamine directly from him while inside his home, according to the news release.

On Friday, June 6, ICSO SERT members, narcotics investigators, and members of the Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence, Campbell said. Smith and James were both inside the residence at the time.

During the search, ICSO personnel located and seized 10 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 71 dosage units of clonazepam, and 25 dosage units of subutex, according to the news release. The total street value of the seized narcotics is $2,105.

Smith and James were arrested and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center.

Smith was charged with four counts of Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule III Controlled Substance, and Felony Maintaining a Vehicle or Dwelling for the Sale or Use of a Controlled Substance. Magistrate Watkins issued Smith a $120,000 secured bond on these charges.

James was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule III Controlled Substance, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, and Felony Maintain a Vehicle or Dwelling for the Sale or Use of a Controlled Substance. Magistrate Watkins issued a $45,000 secured bond on these charges.

According to the ICSO, Smith’s criminal history includes the following charges: Misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Possession of a Schedule VI Controlled Substance, two counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, three counts of Felony Sell a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Felony Possession of  Methamphetamine Precursor, Misdemeanor Shoplifting by Concealing Goods, and Felony Habitual Felon.

James’ criminal history includes the following charges: Felony Breaking and Entering, three counts of Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, DWI Level 4, and Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance.