K9 Alert During Sampson County Traffic Stop Uncovers Cocaine, Weapons

NEWTON GROVE — A routine traffic stop on U.S. 421 led to the seizure of two kilograms of cocaine and two firearms, according to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Criminal Interdiction Team said they stopped a vehicle near Wrye Branch Road on Dec. 5 for a motor vehicle violation. During the stop, deputies noticed signs of possible criminal activity and deployed a K9, which alerted to the presence of narcotics.

A subsequent search uncovered the cocaine and firearms concealed inside the vehicle.

The driver, Antonio Velazquez Jarmillo, of 681 Ernest Williams Road, Roseboro, and the passenger, David Valencia Garcia, of Unity Drive, Newton Grove (Johnston County address), were arrested at the scene and taken to the Sampson County Detention Center. Both were held without bond.

Jarmillo and Garcia were each charged with trafficking cocaine by transport, trafficking cocaine by possession, maintaining a vehicle for drug activity, and carrying a concealed weapon.

Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton praised the deputies involved. “Our deputies remain committed to keeping dangerous drugs and illegal firearms off our streets. This seizure is a direct result of their vigilance and dedication to protecting the citizens of Sampson County. I’m proud of the work our team does every day to keep our communities safe.”