Crystal Meth Haul Discovered, Three Arrested In I-77 Traffic Stop

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — A traffic stop along Interstate 77 Sunday led to the arrest of three suspects who were traveling with more than 70 grams of methamphetamine, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report on the incident, ICSO deputies pulled over the vehicle driven by Jerry Lee Lippard III, 38, of Statesville for a traffic violation. Lippard was asked to step out of the vehicle, and when deputies searched him for weapons, they found he was in possession of marijuna and Buprenorphine, which is a drug used to treat opioid addiction. The vehicle was searched and 30 grams of methamphetamine was discovered, as well as numerous items of drug paraphernalia, ICSO said.

Lippard’s passengers — Breanna Frances Oliver, 33 and of Mooresville, and Michael Joseph Gamboa, 34 and of Charlotte — were also searched.

Gamboa was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, ICSO said.

Deputies found more than 40 grams of methamphetamine in Oliver’s possession, along with several Buprenorphine pills and strips. She was also wanted on outstanding warrants for removing an electronic monitoring device she was required to wear while on probation.

The combined street value of the crystal meth was nearly $6,000. Methamphetamine has a street value of up to $80 per gram, according to AllTreatment.com.

All three were arrested and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center in Statesville.

Lippard was charged with felony trafficking methamphetamine by possession; felony trafficking methamphetamine by transport; felony conspire to traffic methamphetamine; felony possession with intent to sale and deliver methamphetamine; felony possession with intent to sale and deliver Schedule III (Buprenorphine); felony maintain a vehicle for the sale of a controlled substance; misdemeanor possession of marijuana; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also charged with driving with a revoked license. His secured bond was set at $250,000

Oliver was charged with felony trafficking methamphetamine by possession; felony trafficking methamphetamine by transport; felony conspire to traffic methamphetamine; felony possession with intent to sale and deliver methamphetamine; and felony possession with intent to sale and deliver Schedule III (Buprenorphine). She was served with her outstanding arrest warrant for the probation violation, and her secured bond was set at $255,000.

Gamboa was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. His secured bond was set at $5,000.