Drug detection K-9 sniffs out $50,000 worth of cocaine during traffic stop

SALISBURY, N.C. — Two Charlotte residents are facing drug charges after a police dog sniffed out more than 500 grams of cocaine hidden in their vehicle during a traffic stop on Tuesday in Rowan County.

Deputies said they pulled over a blue 2001 Chevrolet Malibu on Interstate 85 in Salisbury for a routine traffic stop when they smelled marijuana coming from the passenger compartment.

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A Rowan County Sheriff’s Office drug detection K-9 was called to the scene and performed a free air search of the vehicle. The dog provided a positive alert to the presence of a controlled substance, according to authorities.

A probable cause search was conducted of the vehicle and deputies found a plastic bag with about six grams of marijuana under the front passenger seat.

Deputies said concealed in the rear wheel well area of the Malibu, behind a carpeted area, was a package containing roughly 507 grams of cocaine, valued at $50,000. Also found in the car was $3,250 in cash.

The driver, 41-year-old Marcus Davis, and his passenger, 38-year-old Porschia Clay, were each charged with Level III trafficking cocaine by possession and transportation, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances.

Under North Carolina law, Level III cocaine trafficking carries a sentence of 175-222 months in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Deputies told Channel that Clay has previous felony convictions for possession of schedule II and larceny, and that Davis has convictions for motor vehicle violations.

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