Charlotte, NC – Two Charlotte men are facing multiple felony charges after officers reportedly uncovered 386 grams of marijuana, concealed firearms, and cash during a routine traffic stop in northeast Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD).
Incident Overview
The incident unfolded on November 13, when CMPD officers pulled over a vehicle for a tag light violation along the 900 block of West Sugar Creek Road, a corridor known for frequent traffic enforcement operations. What began as a minor equipment stop quickly escalated into a significant drug and weapons investigation.
According to an official report published by CMPD, officers approached the vehicle and immediately received information that raised concern for officer safety. The driver and passenger disclosed that they each had a concealed firearm, despite neither possessing a lawful permit to carry one. The discovery prompted police to conduct a full search of the vehicle, leading to a substantial seizure of drugs and weapons.
Timeline of Events
After the driver and passenger acknowledged the presence of firearms, officers ordered both men out of the vehicle. A search of the car uncovered nearly 386 grams of marijuana, an amount well above the threshold for personal use and often linked to intent to distribute. Officers also found two firearms and approximately $1,200 in cash, reinforcing suspicions of illegal drug activity.
The seized drugs were packaged in multiple quantities, CMPD stated, a method commonly used in small-scale street-level distribution. Officers then took both men into custody without incident.
Details from Police and Charges Filed
CMPD identified the suspects as 27-year-old Andrae Juwan Burnette and 27-year-old Rayvon Shariff Ponder, both residents of Charlotte. Investigators stated that the evidence recovered during the stop supported charges related to drug distribution and weapons violations.
Both men have been charged with:
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Carrying a concealed weapon
In its statement, CMPD noted the importance of routine traffic enforcement in uncovering more serious criminal activity.
“Traffic stops remain a critical tool in addressing illegal firearms and narcotics within our community,” investigators emphasized in the report.
According to arrest documents, Burnette was released on a $5,000 bond, while Ponder was released on a $10,000 bond. Their next court appearances have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Key Facts from the Investigation
Authorities pointed out several details that made the case stand out:
- 386 grams of marijuana recovered
- Two concealed firearms found inside the vehicle
- $1,200 cash seized
- Both suspects are 27 years old
- Both lacked permits for concealed carry
- Traffic stop location: 900 block, West Sugar Creek Road
These elements combined shaped the basis for the felony charges brought forward.
Witness and Community Awareness
While no civilian witnesses directly contributed to the investigation, residents in the area have long voiced concerns about narcotics activity along West Sugar Creek Road. CMPD has emphasized its commitment to strengthening enforcement in these neighborhoods to reduce illegal drug activity and prevent weapons-related crimes.
A local officer involved in the case noted:
“Even minor violations can lead to major discoveries. When individuals carry illegal firearms and narcotics, it poses significant risks to the public.”
The Risks of Drug-Related Traffic Stops
Law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to stress the unpredictable nature of traffic stops involving drugs and weapons. Encounters like this highlight how routine violations can escalate quickly, putting officers and the public at risk.
Carrying concealed weapons without proper permits is a growing concern in urban areas. Likewise, the possession of large quantities of marijuana—still illegal at these amounts under North Carolina law—often signals broader drug distribution networks operating within the city.
CMPD encourages drivers to comply with traffic laws and avoid transporting illegal substances or weapons, emphasizing that such behavior leads to severe legal consequences.
Conclusion
The arrest of Andrae Juwan Burnette and Rayvon Shariff Ponder underscores CMPD’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug distribution and unauthorized firearm possession in Charlotte. As the legal process continues, the case serves as another reminder of how routine traffic enforcement can reveal significant criminal activity.
Have you witnessed similar incidents or noticed increased police activity in your neighborhood? Share your experiences in the comments below.
