Rodanthe, North Carolina – A routine traffic stop in the Outer Banks community of Rodanthe led to a significant drug seizure and the arrest of two Avon residents on multiple felony charges, according to the Dare County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred on the evening of December 11, when deputies from the C-District of the Dare County Sheriff’s Office initiated a vehicle stop shortly before 8 p.m. What began as a standard enforcement action quickly escalated after a K9 unit detected the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.
Traffic stop leads to K9 alert
Deputies stopped the vehicle at approximately 7:53 p.m. during routine patrol operations in Rodanthe. During the encounter, a Sheriff’s Office K9 was deployed and subsequently alerted to the vehicle, giving deputies probable cause to conduct a search.
Law enforcement officials said the K9 alert was a key factor in uncovering the suspected criminal activity, allowing deputies to move forward with a full search of the vehicle under established procedures.
Drugs and paraphernalia recovered
During the search, deputies discovered and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, additional controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia. The quantity and variety of substances recovered led investigators to believe the drugs were intended for distribution rather than personal use.
Authorities have not publicly released the exact amounts of each substance but confirmed that the evidence met the threshold for multiple felony charges under North Carolina law.
Two Avon residents arrested
Following the discovery, deputies arrested Matthew C. Farrow, 46, and Brittany H. Farrow, 41, both residents of Avon, a nearby Outer Banks community.
According to the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, both individuals face the following charges:
- Felony PWIMSD Methamphetamine
- Felony Possession of Cocaine
- Felony Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Felony Maintaining a Vehicle, Dwelling, or Place for Controlled Substances
- Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance
- Misdemeanor Simple Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
- Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
In addition to the drug-related charges, Matthew Farrow was also charged with failure to maintain lane control, which initially led to the traffic stop.
Bond set at $20,000 each
Court records indicate that both Matthew and Brittany Farrow were issued secured bonds of $20,000 each in connection with the charges. Details regarding their first court appearance or whether legal counsel has been retained were not immediately available.
As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ongoing efforts to combat drug activity
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that traffic enforcement remains an important tool in identifying and disrupting illegal drug activity throughout the county, including in smaller coastal communities like Rodanthe.
Officials noted that K9 units continue to play a critical role in detecting narcotics that may otherwise go unnoticed during routine stops.
Community cooperation encouraged
The Sheriff’s Office is asking members of the public to assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious or criminal activity. Tips from residents often help deputies identify patterns of drug distribution and keep local neighborhoods safer.
Anyone with information related to drug activity or other crimes in Dare County is encouraged to contact local law enforcement through official channels.
Why traffic stops matter
Law enforcement officials frequently point out that many significant drug seizures begin with minor traffic violations. Simple infractions, such as lane control issues, can reveal broader criminal behavior when investigated properly and lawfully.
Authorities say continued community awareness, combined with proactive policing, helps reduce the presence of illegal drugs in the Outer Banks region.
What happens next
The case will now proceed through the judicial system, where evidence collected during the stop will be reviewed. Prosecutors will determine how to move forward based on the charges and the results of forensic testing on the seized substances.
Residents are reminded that staying informed and reporting concerns can make a meaningful difference in preventing drug-related crimes.
If you live in the area or have been affected by similar incidents, share your experiences in the comments below.
