A routine traffic stop in Newton Grove Wednesday afternoon led to the seizure of 454 grams of marijuana and two felony charges against a 21-year-old man.
Jose Juan Mendoza, 21, of 131 Red Ranch Lane, Newton Grove, was charged with possession with intent to sell/distribute marijuana; maintaining a vehicle for a the storage and sell of a controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
According to reports, Mendoza was pulled over near Grimes Road in Newton Grove for a traffic infraction. A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up 454 grams of marijuana and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia.
Mendoza was immediately taken into custody and his car was towed from the scene.
At the Sampson County Detention Center, Mendoza was placed under a $25,000 secured bond and given a trial date of Jan. 22.
According to the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Mendoza has not been previously convicted.
To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.