Fayetteville man arrested on drug charges following Aberdeen traffic stop

A Fayetteville man has been arrested on a felony drug charge months after Aberdeen officers found suspected methamphetamine and marijuana during a traffic stop.

According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers stopped a vehicle on June 18, 2025, for an equipment violation and reported smelling marijuana coming from inside. The driver, Branston Brunson, 36, reportedly confirmed marijuana was in the vehicle, and officers located it during a search. Brunson was arrested at the scene and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Police said a bag of unidentified pills was also allegedly found in Brunson’s pocket. The suspected narcotics were sent to the State Crime Lab, which reported on August 29 that the pills contained methamphetamine.

Investigators obtained a warrant the next day for felony possession of methamphetamine, though attempts to locate Brunson at that time were unsuccessful.

On November 20, Aberdeen investigators, assisted by Southern Pines Police, found Brunson in Southern Pines. He was taken into custody and brought before a Moore County magistrate, where he received a $2,500 secured bond.

All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Via Aberdeen Police Department.