Iredell County traffic stop uncovers catalytic converters, drugs

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop Wednesday, Sept. 3, on a vehicle driven by Coty Sherrill Speight in Statesville.

During the traffic stop, K-9 Levi quickly alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered 25.5 alprazolam pills.

The deputy also discovered 11 catalytic converters in the trunk.

When questioned, Speight claimed ownership of a recycling business in Rowan County and produced limited documentation.

Detectives later discovered the recycling permits for precious metals had expired and that both business addresses were vacant.

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant Thursday, charging Speight with 11 counts of Felony Possession of Catalytic Converters.

Speight was arrested Friday by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office after attempting to sell some of the stolen catalytic converters.

While in custody at the Davidson County Detention Center, he was served with the warrants obtained in Iredell County.