ELIZABETHTOWN — A man with outstanding warrants who attempted to avoid a license-checking station in Bladen County found himself in jail after a trooper with the N.C. State Highway Patrol tracked him down and, with the assistance from the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, arrested him on drug charges.

Trooper Jeremy Freeman was working the checking station on Hwy. 242 near Guyton Road on Wednesday when he witnessed a vehicle approach the traffic stop, then turn around.

“Freeman was able to overtake (the vehicle) and initiate a traffic stop,” Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker said. “While conducting the stop Freeman learned of outstanding warrants on Smith and requested the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Daniel Clark and his K-9 partner Jaxx responded.

“Clark walked Jaxx around the vehicle and his dog ‘alerted’ on the vehicle giving the officers probable cause to search,” McVicker added.

McVicker said the search uncovered 315.9 grams of marijuana, 10 grams of crack cocaine and $1,001 in U.S. currency.

Houston Juinus Smith, 25 of Clarkton was arrested on the outstanding warrants and also charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine) and felony possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana). He was further charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, manufacturing marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Smith’s bond was set at $39,000 secured.

“I am very proud of the inter-agency cooperation in Bladen,” said McVicker. “It really is a group effort to make our streets and communities safer. Our new K-9 Jaxx was bought with donations from citizens at no cost to the taxpayers. As you can see, he was a good investment and I am sure there are many more drug busts ahead for Jaxx and Deputy Clark.”

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

Courtesy photo Trooper Jeremy Freeman, Deputy Daniel Clark and K-9 Jaxx pose with the drugs and money confiscated during a traffic stop on Wednesday.
http://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_Sheriff.jpgCourtesy photo Trooper Jeremy Freeman, Deputy Daniel Clark and K-9 Jaxx pose with the drugs and money confiscated during a traffic stop on Wednesday.

W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com