IFN Staff

A Troutman woman who is on probation following a felony drug conviction faces trafficking charges after being arrested by Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Natasha Renee Kirby, 48, of Iredell Avenue, Troutman, in a news release Friday.

Kirby was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by ICSO deputies on Wednesday at the intersection of Brick Yard Road and Hickory Highway, Campbell said.

During the stop, deputies spoke with the driver, identified as Ronald Lewis Pate, and Kirby, and determined that Pate did not have a valid driver’s license, according to the news release.

Deputy Greene responded to the scene with his K-9 partner Elio, who alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle, the sheriff said.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and deputies located marijuana and a large quantity of Subutex pills, according to the news release.

Pate, 35, of Cedarbrook Drive, Statesville, stated the marijuana belonged to him, and Kirby claimed ownership of the pills, Campbell said.

Pate was issued citations for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor driving while license revoked, and displaying a fictitious license plate.

Kirby was arrested and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. While at the facility, detention staff discovered she had concealed approximately 7.5 grams of methamphetamine on her person, according to the news release.

Kirby faces multiple charges, including felony trafficking opium by possession, felony trafficking opium by transport, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a schedule III controlled substance, felony possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine, two counts of misdemeanor possession of a schedule III controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held without bond due to being out on bond for previous charges.