Police Arrest Two People After Finding Box Filled With Drugs Underneath Pickup

Routine traffic stop turns into major drug bust

CLAYTON – Thanks to alert officers, detectives, and a K-9 unit, Clayton Police made a major drug bust during a routine traffic stop. Around 12:25pm Tuesday, Police Chief Greg Tart said an officer stopped a Ram 1500 pickup for traffic violations, including a fictitious license plate being displayed.

The driver, Thomas Wilkins, age 28, of Angier, and a passenger, Randolph Starns, age 57, of Raleigh were the only occupants inside the truck.

A routine background check revealed Wilkins was wanted out of Wake County for a drug offense and taken into custody. Starns was detained and searched, and during the search methamphetamine and heroin was located in his possession, Chief Tart said.

A Police K-9 alerted on the pickup and numerous drug paraphernalia items were found, including additional methamphetamine and heroin. Police also found additional fictitious license plates inside the truck.

Officer and detectives also located a magnetic box hidden underneath the truck that contained more methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana.

Chief Tart said a total of 300 grams of methamphetamine, 23 grams of heroin, 33 grams of marijuana, and 15 Suboxone were seized.

Wilkins and Starnes were transported to the Johnston County Detention Center and charged with multiple drug offenses.