AHOSKIE – A 21-year-old Ahoskie man faces several drug counts after a traffic stop for a seat belt violation led to his arrest here Friday.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh reported that Kendric D’Angelo Everett of Flea Hill Road was charged with one count each of possession with intent to sell and distribute crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed under a $6,000 secured bond and has his first day in court scheduled for April 30.

Fitzhugh said that around 1 p.m. on Friday, K-9 Sgt. Michael Kellett and K-9 “Nero” were patrolling on South Catherine Creek Road near Myers Street. Sgt. Kellett observed a driver of a 1989 Chevrolet not wearing his seatbelt.

“Sgt. Kellett activated his blue lights and caught up with the same vehicle on First Street / Dr. MLK Jr. Drive and conducted a vehicle stop,” Fitzhugh said.

Upon the vehicle coming to a complete stop, Fitzhugh said both the driver and passenger exited the vehicle and were told to immediately return to the vehicle. Patrolman Jessie Mizelle assisted with the vehicle stop as well as Lt. Adam Benton.

Fitzhugh said K-9 “Nero” was utilized during the stop since the passenger appeared to be nervous.

“Nero alerted on the passenger door area of the outside of the vehicle,” Fitzhugh said. “Four separate clear plastic baggies containing illegal controlled substances were seized and the passenger was subsequently charged.

Two of the baggies contained off-white rock like substances. The other two baggies contained white powdered like substance.”

The driver was given a written warning for the seatbelt violation.

“I would like to thank K-9 Sgt. Michael Kellett and K-9 “Nero” for a good job. We will continue to arrest those who are involved with illegal controlled substances,” Fitzhugh said.