Three New Jersey men facing drug charges after Kinston traffic stop

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - Three New Jersey men were arrested after police say they were found with drugs during a traffic stop.

Kinston police say they stopped a car on East New Bern Road around 3:30 a.m. Friday for a lighting equipment violation.

During the stop, officers say they saw signs of possible drug activity, leading them to search the vehicle.

Officers found cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash during their search.

Police arrested the driver, 24-year-old Alexis Hernandez Carpintero, and his two passengers, 24-year-old Erik Mellado and 24-year-old Brayan Zamora.

All three men were taken to the Lenoir County Jail and are facing the following charges:

• 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

Each man is facing a $15,000 bond.