Sanford, NC – A routine traffic stop outside a Walmart shopping center escalated into a major drug trafficking investigation last week, resulting in the arrest of two men and the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, and paraphernalia, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Vehicle Stop Yields Felony Marijuana Seizure
The case began Thursday when deputies pulled over a Nissan sedan in the parking lot of the Shoppes at Sanford, located at NC 87 and US 421. Inside the vehicle, officers found a felony amount of marijuana, prompting a deeper investigation into the vehicle’s occupants.
The two men in the car were later identified as Victor Mauricio Lopez, 22, and Maximo Gonzalez, 18 as reported by CBS17.
Search Warrant Uncovers Cocaine at Suspect’s Home
Following the traffic stop, Lee County Narcotics Agents obtained a search warrant for Lopez’s residence at 973 Minter School Road, located just two miles west of the Walmart shopping center. Upon executing the warrant, agents discovered more marijuana and a significant amount of cocaine inside the home.
Authorities say the scale and packaging of the narcotics found at the residence point to trafficking-level distribution activity.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Victor Mauricio Lopez now faces a slew of serious charges:
- Trafficking cocaine by possession
- Two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
- Two counts of felony marijuana possession
- Two counts of maintaining a place for controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of marijuana paraphernalia
Lopez is being held without bond due to the severity of the charges.
Maximo Gonzalez was charged with:
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
- Felony marijuana possession
- Possession of marijuana paraphernalia
He was released after posting a $15,000 secured bond, deputies said.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Drug Distribution
This bust is part of a larger effort by Lee County law enforcement to crack down on drug activity in and around the Sanford area. Deputies continue to investigate whether additional suspects or locations are linked to the case.
“This case is a strong reminder that what may begin as a simple traffic stop can quickly expose a deeper web of criminal activity,” one investigator noted.
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