More Than $2 Million In Pot Confiscated, Two Arrested In Iredell County

On Thursday, June 3, Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement (ICE) Team conducted two separate traffic stops on Interstate 77 Southbound, in northern Iredell County.

During the first traffic stop, deputies spoke with the driver, and only occupant Xuequan LU who lives of Brooklyn, New York. The deputies deployed canine “Bosco” who gave a positive indication to the presence of a controlled substance inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was performed. 118 pounds of high grade Marijuana was located . After taking Xuequan LU into custody, a second vehicle drove by the deputies and failed to move over as required by law for flashing blue lights. Based on this unsafe action, the suspect vehicle was stopped.

During this stop, the deputies contacted the driver and only occupant of the second vehicle, Xengming LI of Woodstock, Georgia. Suspecting that the two vehicles could be traveling together canine “Abby” was utilized at this traffic stop. Abby gave a positive indication to the presence of a controlled substance.

A search was conducted, and deputies located 138 pounds of high grade Marijuana inside the trunk. Xengming LI was also taken into custody and both he and Xuequan LU were transported to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

During the investigation it was determined both subjects were in-fact traveling together with a third car which was not located.

Xuequan LU and Fengming Li were charged with: Felony Trafficking by Possession of Marijuana, Felony Trafficking by Transportation of Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute Marijuana, and Felony Conspiracy to Traffic Marijuana. Both suspects were transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and detained with a $400,000 bond each.

The estimated street value of the 256 pounds of seized Marijuana was over $2.1 million based on an estimated price of $20 per gram.

Photo: Alexander County Sheriff’s Office