2 Kilos of cocaine found during traffic stop | News

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV)- Two men were arrested Thursday after two kilos of cocaine were found during an early morning traffic stop, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. when deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle on Highway 321 near exit 20, north of High Shoals. In the vehicle, deputies found a pistol, a small amount of marijuana, and a duffel bag containing the two kilos of cocaine, the report states.

During the investigation, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Clifton Eugene Mason, 30, tried to run from the scene, but was caught by deputies a short distance away, deputies told WBTV.

He was charged with two felony counts of trafficking in cocaine, one felony count of possession with the intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place for a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, and resist, delay and obstruct a public officer.

The passenger of the vehicle, Chad Bernard Beatty, 36, was charged with two felony counts of trafficking in cocaine, one felony count of possession with the intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place for a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of marijuana.

Both men were placed under a $1,000,000 secured bond each.

Narcotics investigators say the cocaine, when broken down for street-level sale, would be valued between $200,000 and $300,000.

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