Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Wednesday November 11, 2018, Deputies were conducting a license checking station at the intersection of West Memorial Highway and Harmony Highway.

 A white Chevrolet S10 truck heading North on Harmony Highway entered the check point. Deputies Mitchell and Gregory approached the vehicle and could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the truck.

The driver, Eric Lea Martinez, when asked about the odor said he had been smoking marijuana. Deputy Gregory conducted an open air sniff with his Canine “Rex”. The canine gave a positive indication on the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle located a large bag of marijuana weighing 15 ounces. Eric Martinez was placed into custody and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center.

Martinez was issued a citation for driving while license was revoked. He was then taken before Magistrate J. Hollar where he was charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sale and Deliver Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. Eric Martinez received a 10,000.00 dollar secured bond.

While being processed into the detention center, Martinez was found to be concealing a clear plastic bag containing Methamphetamine. He was taken back to Magistrate Hollar and was charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance inside a Prison/Jail, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Martinez was given an additional 20,000.00 dollars secured bond.

Eric Lee Martinez, 48 Years Old

1313 Groce Road,

Yadkinville, North Carolina 27055