Traffic Stop in Iredell County Leads to Drug Trafficking Charges

Sheriff Darren Campbell says a routine traffic stop in Iredell County led to multiple drug charges for a passenger already out on bond.

According to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, deputies stopped a vehicle on April 15 at the intersection of Brick Yard Road and Hickory Highway. During the stop, deputies identified the driver as Ronald Lewis Pate and the passenger as Natasha Renee Kirby, and learned that Pate did not have a valid driver’s license.

Deputy Greene responded with K-9 Elio, who alerted deputies to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.

During a search, deputies found marijuana and a large quantity of Subutex pills. Investigators say Pate admitted the marijuana belonged to him, while Kirby claimed ownership of the pills.

Pate was issued citations for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, and displaying a fictitious license plate.

Kirby was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where detention officers later discovered she had concealed approximately 7.5 grams of methamphetamine on her person.

Kirby now faces several felony drug charges, including trafficking opium, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine, along with additional misdemeanor charges. Officials say she was held without bond because she was already out on bond for previous charges.