Two Arrested, Four Pounds Of Meth Seized In Caldwell County

CALDWELL, N.C. — Two people from Lenoir were arrested for meth trafficking after an investigation that spanned several months, according to officials.

On May 5 around 7 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a vehicle that was believed to be connected to an investigation that was conducted in conjunction with the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Taylorsville Police Department and the Lenoir Police Department.

A car chase began when the driver refused to stop. The pursuit ended when the vehicle hit a tree located at a residence on Connelly Springs Road.

One of the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Justin Marqui Caldwell, then fled the vehicle on foot but was taken into custody by officers. The second occupant in the vehicle, identified as 28-year-old Stephanie Nicole Laws, was arrested without incident, according to police.

According to a news release, Caldwell was found in possession of around 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine. The drugs seized during the investigation have a total street value of $300,000 according to North Carolina State Drug Guidelines.

Deputies say Caldwell and Laws were arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony trafficking in methamphetamine.

Sheriff Chris Bowman stated: “This is another example of how teamwork between agencies is essential in combating the fight against drugs.”