MONROE COUNTY, N.C. – On June 2, 2020, Agent Dalton Rinehart with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division made a traffic stop on a suspected drug trafficker for displaying the wrong plate on their vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Dewane Cook of Vonore, TN. During the course of the traffic stop, indicators of further criminal activity were detected. Madisonville Police Department arrived to assist with the traffic stop. MPD Officer Joe Fritts deployed his canine “Max”, who alerted to the scent of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately one-half pound of crystal Methamphetamine, scales, baggies, Marijuana, and two handguns.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with possession of Methamphetamine for resale, unlawful weapon possession, drug paraphernalia, and possession of Marijuana.