What started as a traffic stop in Lincolnton ended with a major meth bust, as Lincoln County deputies arrested two people and seized roughly a half pound of suspected methamphetamine along with cash and drug paraphernalia, authorities said. Investigators reported recovering about 241 grams of suspected meth from the vehicle and identified the suspects as Terry Brandon Rogers and Amanda Lynn Payne, who were taken into custody on trafficking-related allegations.
What police say happened
As reported by WCCB Charlotte, deputies pulled the vehicle over after investigators suspected it was bringing a large quantity of meth into Lincoln County. The station reports that cash and other evidence were seized from the car and that the arrests are tied to an active narcotics investigation that deputies have not fully detailed publicly.
Traffic stop, surveillance and what was seized
Investigators said they relied on modern technology and surveillance to track the vehicle before officers conducted a stop on East Main Street near Williams Street, according to WSOC. Deputies told the station the driver’s license was suspended, which they said gave officers probable cause to search the car. Inside, they reported finding about 241 grams of methamphetamine (more than eight ounces), along with cash and drug paraphernalia. WSOC reports that both suspects are facing charges that include trafficking methamphetamine and conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine.
How the sheriff’s office is using new tools
The county has been expanding its surveillance toolkit. The Charlotte Observer reported that the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office began installing 30 Flock Safety license-plate-reader cameras in March 2025, paid for with seized-drug assets. The paper notes the sheriff’s office says the cameras are intended to assist felony investigations and generate alerts for stolen vehicles or missing persons, and that captured plate data are retained for 30 days. Sheriff’s officials have said the cameras are not used for routine traffic enforcement.
What’s next
Both suspects were arrested on state charges, according to WCCB Charlotte. As of the initial reports, the sheriff’s office had not released information on bond or a court date, and the narcotics investigation remains ongoing.
