LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Citizen complaints about illegal drug activities launched a month long investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division that led to the arrest of one man.

Narcotics investigators conducted hours of surveillance that led to the arrest on May 18, 2022 of Stanley Kinston Edwards, 35, of West Highview Lane, Lincolnton, NC. Around 3:30 p.m. officers observed what they recognized as a drug transaction taking place in the parking lot of a grocery store in the 700 block of West Highway NC 27.

Investigators were able to apprehend the suspect and seize 15 grams of fentanyl, 3-and-a-half grams of crack cocaine, 25 grams of marijuana and $3,229 in cash. Edwards was taken before a Lincoln County magistrate and charged with trafficking fentanyl by possession and transport, possession with intent to sell and deliver Schedule I, felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

Anyone with information concerning drug activity is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office Drug Tip Line at 704-736-8606, Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202 or Lincolnton/Lincoln County CrimeStoppers at 704-736-8909. All tips are investigated.