Report: Deputy Finds Drugs During Highway 96 Traffic Stop

FOUR OAKS — A Four Oaks man was arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop for speeding.

Authorities said the incident occurred around 7 p.m. Jan. 7 on Highway 96 South near Cove Lane. Sheriff’s office SAFE Team deputies reportedly stopped a vehicle driven by Timothy Gerald Matthews Sr., 60, of the 2400 block of Elevation Road, for speeding 74 mph in a 55 mph zone.

During the stop, deputies said they found a glass smoking pipe in Matthews’ pocket. A subsequent search allegedly revealed approximately 9 grams of suspected methamphetamine and about 2 grams of marijuana concealed in his underwear.

Matthews was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.

He was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center in Smithfield, where he was given a $10,000 secured bond.