Union County, NC – Union County deputies uncovered a significant amount of fentanyl during a routine Lyft stop on U.S. 74 last week, leading to the arrest of a passenger with multiple outstanding warrants. According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the discovery totaled 34.83 grams of the deadly opioid and resulted in new trafficking charges against the suspect.
Incident Overview
Deputies with the SAFE Unit conducted the traffic stop after noticing a Kia vehicle traveling with only its third brake light functioning. As they approached the car, investigators observed that the back-seat passenger was not wearing his seatbelt, prompting them to ask for identification. The situation escalated quickly when the individual allegedly provided a false name, leading deputies to use a fingerprint scanner to confirm his identity.
Timeline of Events
Officials say the man was identified as a Charlotte resident wanted on two outstanding Union County warrants related to trafficking opium or heroin. After confirming his identity, deputies detained the passenger and continued their investigation at the scene. A full vehicle search was authorized after the Lyft driver consented, allowing deputies to inspect the interior of the car more thoroughly.
Details from Officials
During the search, deputies located 34.83 grams of fentanyl tucked inside the back-seat passenger door pocket — the same spot where the suspect had been seated moments earlier. The amount seized is considered significant, especially given the potency and high overdose risk associated with fentanyl.
“Deputies discovered the fentanyl inside the door pocket directly next to where the suspect had been sitting,” officials noted, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office (source reference: Union County Sheriff’s Office release).
The suspect was taken into custody by the SHIELD Unit and transported to the Union County Detention Center.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Along with the two outstanding warrants, the man now faces two new counts of trafficking opium or heroin, authorities confirmed. After his arrest, officials stated that the suspect appeared before a judicial officer, where he was issued a $70,000 bond. He remains in custody at the Union County Detention Center.
“The charges reflect the seriousness of fentanyl trafficking in our community,” deputies said in the report.
Key Facts
- Suspect: Charlotte resident (name withheld in report)
- Substance Found: 34.83 grams of fentanyl
- Location: U.S. 74, Union County, NC
- Vehicle: Kia operated by a Lyft driver
- Original Warrants: 2 counts of trafficking opium/heroin
- New Charges: 2 additional trafficking counts
- Bond: $70,000
Additional Context
Fentanyl continues to be one of the leading contributors to overdose deaths across the United States due to its extreme potency. Even a few milligrams can be deadly, making discoveries like this especially concerning for law enforcement and public health officials. Traffic stops remain a key way deputies identify individuals transporting illegal substances through local roadways.
Union County authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of vigilant patrolling, especially along busy routes such as U.S. 74, which has seen several narcotics-related arrests in recent years. Officials say cooperative rideshare drivers, like the Lyft driver involved in this case, help ensure public safety when suspicious activity arises.
Public Safety Awareness
Local deputies continue urging residents to stay aware of the dangers posed by fentanyl. The drug is often mixed with other substances without users’ knowledge, increasing the risk of accidental overdose. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activity, especially when it involves drug trafficking or illegally transported substances.
Conclusion
The seizure of more than 34 grams of fentanyl during a routine Lyft stop highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating opioid trafficking throughout Union County. Deputies say this incident underscores the importance of traffic enforcement and community cooperation in preventing deadly substances from entering local neighborhoods.
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