Lenoir Police Department make drug related arrests

LENOIR, NC (April 30, 2019) — On April 27th, 2019 at 2:25 am, an officer with the Lenoir Police Department observed a white 2002 Mitsubishi passenger car run the red light at the intersection of Harper Avenue and Fairview Drive.  The officer conducted a traffic stop and the vehicle stopped at West Lenoir Baptist Church located at 311Abington Road.  Police K-9 was taken around the vehicle.  The K-9’s handler reported that the dog gave a positive indication for the presence of the odor for narcotics.

The vehicle was searched, and a large amount of Methamphetamine was found inside a plastic shopping bag that had been shoved up under the steering column of the vehicle.  This bag also contained 2.6 grams of Marijuana, a glass smoking pipe, 2 dosage units of Alprazolam, and digital scales.  The amount of Methamphetamine found weighed 144.7 grams.  According to North Carolina State guidelines, the seized drugs were valued at $21,735.00.

The driver of the vehicle, Justin Crane, and the passenger, Phillip Bentley, were arrested and charged with 1 count of Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine.  Both subjects received a $100,000.00 secured bond.  Their initial court date was set for 04-29-2019 at the Caldwell County Court House.  There will be more charges forthcoming for these two in the near future.