On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 77 North near the 61-mile marker. Deputies stopped a Mercedes-Benz with New York registration plates for a traffic violation.
The driver was identified as Paul Daniel Sanchez of Port Chester, New York. Sanchez told deputies he was traveling from Charlotte back to New York. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies observed indicators of criminal activity during the stop and saw drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more than 600 THC vape cartridges. Sanchez was taken into custody and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged. Magistrate Nethkan set bond at $75,000 secured.
Sheriff Darren Campbell said the case reflects the ongoing work of the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team to prevent illegal drugs from moving through the county.
