A man on the Burke County most wanted list has been captured after Deputies say they found multiple controlled substances during a traffic stop. 53-year-old William Ernest Smith Jr., of Bonnie Lane in Hildebran, was arrested Saturday after deputies stopped a vehicle near Colridge Court in Connelly Springs.
According to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies knew Smith had an active warrant. During the stop, they say Smith threw an object from the vehicle. A Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was called in to assist, and the dog alerted to narcotics.
Deputies located the discarded object and say the substance inside was confirmed to be a controlled substance. Smith was taken into custody without incident.
Smith was charged with felony trafficking in fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine and multiple counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances, including Schedule I,III,and IV narcotics. He was also served with the outstanding felony warrant for fleeing to elude with a motor vehicle.
Smith appeared in court Monday (August 17) on the new charges. His secured bond was set at $3.025 million. His next court date is September 10. Smith had recently been released on bond in connection with another felony drug trafficking case from June 6.
The investigation involved the Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit.
Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY