Traffic stop leads to drug arrests
On July 4, 2025, at approximately 3:34 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s B-Squad conducted a traffic stop on East New Bern Road for a lighting equipment violation. During the stop, officers observed indicators of possible narcotics activity, which led to a probable cause search of the vehicle.
The search resulted in the discovery of drug paraphernalia, cocaine, marijuana, and U.S. currency.
The driver, Alexis Hernandez (24), of Lakewood, New Jersey, and two passengers—Erik Mellado (24), of Toms River, New Jersey, and Brayan Zamora (24), of Brick, New Jersey—were arrested and transported to the Lenoir County Jail. All three individuals were charged with the following offenses:
Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine
Manufacturing Schedule II Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Simple Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance
Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Felony Conspiracy
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