The Southern Pines Police Department announced in a press release the arrests of James Upchurch, 49, of Southern Pines, and James Upchurch Jr., 22, of Cameron.
On Oct. 22, members of the Southern Pines Police conducted a traffic stop on South Stephens Street for motor vehicle law violations.
During the traffic stop, officers learned the driver, James Upchurch, was driving with a suspended driver’s license and had an outstanding warrant for arrest.
During this stop, officers detected the strong odor of marijuana creating the need for additional investigation.
Officers seized 40.8 grams of marijuana, sixteen dosage units of MDMA (Ecstasy), one Hi-Point handgun, assorted items of drug paraphernalia and $270.
After being arrested, James Upchurch appeared before a Moore County Magistrate and was remanded to the Moore County Detention Center under a $50,000 secured bond pending a hearing in Moore County court on Nov. 10.
James Upchurch Jr. appeared before a Moore County Magistrate and was remanded to the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond pending a hearing in Moore County court on Nov. 10.
The Southern Pines Police Department did not list in the press release the charges the men are facing.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
