A Carthage woman has been arrested on a felony drug charge following an investigation that began with a reported larceny at Aberdeen Walmart, according to the Aberdeen Police Department.
Police said officers responded Aug. 24 to Walmart after receiving a report of a larceny in progress. Officers were provided with descriptions of the suspect and the vehicle, and located the vehicle as they arrived in the area. A traffic stop was conducted, and Amber Smith, 31, was reportedly identified as the driver, police said.
According to authorities, officers allegedly observed stolen merchandise from Walmart in plain view inside the vehicle. All occupants were detained while officers continued their investigation, which reportedly included reviewing surveillance video and obtaining statements.
Police said a search of the vehicle was conducted to recover the allegedly stolen property. During the search, officers reportedly found a bag containing a crystal-like substance in the glove box that they determined belonged to Smith. The substance was submitted to the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory for testing.
Authorities said laboratory results received Oct. 9 confirmed the substance was methamphetamine. Warrants charging Smith with felony possession of methamphetamine were obtained on Nov. 19.
According to authorities, Smith was located by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 24 and taken into custody. She was brought before a Moore County magistrate and given a $10,000 secured bond.
All charges are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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