Mario Alfonso Rocha, 28, of Bedford Street in Morganton was arrested by Burke County Sheriff’s officers on felony possession of cocaine and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.

Shortly after 3:20 on the afternoon of October 25th, sheriff’s officers conducting surveillance in the area of ​​Ada Charlie Road and Connelly Road observed a black 2014 Audi with a male driver in violation of a number of related offenses traffic, including driving a vehicle. on a mobile phone. Investigators pulled up behind the vehicle and took the tag, which returned with no match found.

A traffic stop was initiated. During the stop, investigators noticed the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver identified himself as Mario Rocha. He admitted that his driver’s license was suspended.

Investigators ran Rocha’s name and learned he had a warrant for his arrest for felony possession of cocaine. Investigators asked Rocha to get out of the vehicle. Upon opening the driver’s door, officers observed a large amount of cash in the driver’s door panel, as well as marijuana or THC vape cartridges under the driver’s seat. A probable cause search was conducted and a handgun was found in the vehicle, along with several controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash. All items, including the car, were confiscated.

Rocha was taken into custody. He now faces additional charges of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon. Rocha was jailed on a $5,000 secured bond. He has since been released. A District Court appearance was set for Nov. 21, and a Superior Court date for Dec. 9 in Morganton.