The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announced on September 2, 2025, members of the NVSU-Criminal Interdiction Team (CIT) were conducting street-level drug interdiction in the area of Davis Bridge Road which led to a felony arrest. Members of CIT conducted a traffic stop for a fictitious registration plate in the 100 block of Davis Bridge Road. During the stop, the driver was identified as Mr. Ramel Lavon McNeill. During the stop detectives could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

The driver stepped out at the request of detectives, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search detectives located packaging materials, scales, approximately three quarters of a pound of marijuana, and a Taurus 9mm handgun which was concealed near the driver’s seat.

Mr. McNeill was placed under arrest and transported to the Hoke County Detention Center.  Mr. McNeill was charged at the Hoke County Detention Center with possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana, felony maintain a vehicle for sell/deliver of a controlled substance, possess marijuana paraphernalia, carry concealed weapon, and fictitious registration. Mr. McNeill received a $10,000 unsecured bond when taken before the magistrate.