Hamptonville, North Carolina — Two local residents were arrested after detectives with the Yadkin County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, a shotgun, and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop connected to an ongoing narcotics investigation.
The discovery followed weeks of community complaints about suspicious activity tied to a home in Hamptonville.
Surveillance Leads Deputies to Suspicious Vehicle
According to the reports, detectives were conducting surveillance on Nov. 13 at a residence in Hamptonville that had been the subject of recent drug-related reports. While monitoring the location, investigators observed a vehicle leaving the property.
As the car traveled north on U.S. 21 Highway, deputies witnessed “multiple motor vehicle movement violations,” giving detectives cause to initiate a traffic stop near King James Drive.
The occupants were identified as Willie Junior Allen, 37, of Roaring River, and Melinda Morales Varela, 50, of Yadkinville.
Search Uncovers Meth, Fentanyl, and a Shotgun
Detectives secured probable cause to search both the vehicle and the individuals. During the search, investigators located:
- 27 grams of methamphetamine
- 1.5 grams of fentanyl
- Drug paraphernalia
- A 12-gauge shotgun
Deputies also noted meth scattered throughout the passenger area, which they believe was an attempt to destroy or discard additional quantities of the drug during the stop.
Once the items were recovered, both Allen and Varela were arrested and transported to the Yadkin County Magistrate’s Office.
Charges Against Willie Junior Allen, 37
Authorities said Willie Junior Allen is facing a significant list of felony charges, including:
- 1 Felony: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- 2 Felonies: Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell and Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine & Fentanyl)
- 2 Felonies: Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- 1 Felony: Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- 1 Felony: Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale/Use of Controlled Substances
Because Allen already had pending controlled substance charges in Wilkes County and was out on bond for those offenses, he was given no bond in this case. He was scheduled to appear in Yadkin County District Court on Nov. 18.
Charges Against Melinda Morales Varela, 50
Melinda Morales Varela also faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges:
- 1 Felony: Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell and Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
- 1 Felony: Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- 1 Felony: Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale/Use of Controlled Substances
- 1 Felony: Conspiracy to Sell/Deliver a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- 1 Misdemeanor: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- 1 Misdemeanor: Resist/Obstruct/Delay
Varela was also denied bond because she had active drug charges in Yadkin County and was already out on bond when this incident occurred. She, too, was scheduled to appear in Yadkin County District Court on Nov. 18.
Sheriff’s Office Continues Broader Investigation
Authorities stated the Nov. 13 arrests are part of a broader effort to curb drug distribution in Yadkin County. The ACE Team continues to investigate connections linked to the Hamptonville residence and expects further developments.
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