A Brunswick County Sheriff’s K9 unit found drugs during a traffic stop in Shallotte on Wednesday.
Rishaud James Bellamy, 28, of Pea Landing Road in Ash, faces multiple drug charges after K9 “Dickey” found 68 grams of MDMA in a vehicle, according to Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Emily Flax.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MDMA – also known by the street name of “Molly” – is a synthetic, psychedelic drug that alters mood and perception.
The deputy pulled Bellamy, who was driving a Kia Optima, over for a traffic violation near U.S. 17 and Main Street in Shallotte, Flax said. Bellamy was charged with three counts of trafficking in MDMA, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver MDMA, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation.
According to the N.C. Department of Corrections, Bellamy was previously convicted of seven felonies, including counterfeiting and possession with intent to sell a schedule VI controlled substance. An arrest warrant states his probation violation was for a conviction out of the county.
Bellamy was booked at the Brunswick County Detention Facility under a $1.31 million secured bond.
“Very proud of K9 ‘Dickey’ and his handler, Deputy Q. Moore,” Flax said. “They train extremely hard and it is very rewarding when they are able to find illegal drugs and get them off our streets.”
