KINGSPORT — Police report a Thursday morning drug bust in the parking lot of a Kingsport business has prompted the arrest of two North Carolina men suspected of bringing cocaine into the region.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. outside Lowe’s on East Stone Drive. Kingsport Police Department Vice Detective Nathan Elliott says investigators had gathered evidence about the alleged drug trafficking, conducting surveillance at several locations before visiting the parking lot.
As the suspects exited their car they were approached by detectives. The passenger reportedly threw to the ground an “8-ball” of cocaine, weighing 3.5 grams, and both men were taken into custody without incident.
Police say they also located marijuana in their possession and seized $1,000 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of illegal drug sales.
On Thursday afternoon, Elliott said both men, identified as Brandy Lewis and Larry Green, are from Charlotte, N.C.
Lewis was charged with possession of over half a gram of cocaine for resale, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Green was charged with simple possession of marijuana in addition to identity theft for giving false information to police.
Both suspects were transported to the Kingsport City Jail and will be arraigned in General Sessions Court on Friday.