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CAPRON

On Jan. 29, two North Carolina men found themselves in a difficult situation, to put it mildly.

According to Det. Justin Boone of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling westbound in the 19000 block of Southampton Parkway on Friday when he observed a vehicle that appeared to be stuck on the property of a church. The deputy went over to the vehicle to investigate. On arrival, the deputy made contact with the two men inside. They were positively identified as Malachi George, 24, of Lillington, North Carolina, and Austin Smith, 21, of Bunnlevel, North Carolina.

During the investigation, suspected narcotics were found. The deputy requested a K-9 unit of the Sheriff’s Office be brought to the scene. Members of the State Police Task Force also responded to assist.

Deputies had located a semi-automatic pistol, several bags containing suspected narcotics and smoking devices. The total amount of narcotics seized during the investigation was 2.4 pounds of marijuana, 65 grams of suspected methamphetamine, .12 grams of suspected cocaine, 100 suspected Xanax pills and $6,602 in cash. The total street value of narcotics seized from the investigation is approximately $21,000.

Both George and Smith were taken into custody and transported to the Southampton County Jail. George was charged with felony possession with intent to distribute less than 5 pounds of marijuana, possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance, possession of firearm by convicted felon, possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance while possessing a firearm. He is being held without bail.

Smith was charged with felony possession with intent to distribute less than 5 pounds of marijuana. He was granted a $2,000 secured bond.

Both had an arraignment set for Tuesday.