Law enforcement officers speak on escalation of traffic stops

KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — A recent traffic stop led to more than just a citation for reckless driving but also drug charges.

What started as a reckless driving stop ended in the discovery of illegal drugs inside the suspect’s vehicle.

Officials with the Kinston Police Department said these kinds of situations where minor traffic violations lead to more serious charges sometimes happen.

“Sometimes you have somebody trafficking narcotics from state to state, maybe you pulled them over for speeding and then it turns into something bigger,” Kinston Police Chief Keith Goyette said.

Last week, law enforcement officers said Ghani Glover, 25, was initially stopped for reckless driving but the situation took a turn when deputies searched his car. A total of 647 grams of marijuana and other narcotics were found.

“If you can observe narcotics in the car, it gets escalated. If you see a weapon in the vehicle, it gets escalated that way,” Chief Goyette said.

Deputies said Glover was arrested and faces felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance. Kinston police officers said this is an important reminder of the dangers and consequences from dangerous driving.

“It just depends on the situation on hand. If it’s a small amount, sometimes the police officer may issue them a citation,” Chief Goyette said. “If it’s a felony amount, you have to go out and make that arrest.”

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy also said drivers should be mindful of their actions behind the wheel. “Understand if you are stopped because you were driving careless and reckless and you do have drugs in your vehicle, then you will be charged for the drugs and the speeding and whatever else,” he said.

This case serves as a reminder from the Kinston Police Department that even a routine traffic stop can lead to serious legal consequences.

They’re urging drivers to stay mindful of their actions on the road as the risks extend beyond just a ticket.

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