28-year-old Jose Omar Perez Perdomo of Waterford Lakes Drive and 23-year-old Jose Ismael Rodriguez Martinez of Sharon Road West, both from Charlotte, have been arrested by Iredell County Sheriff’s Officers on felony counts of trafficking cocaine by transport, trafficking cocaine by possession, and possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine.

They were arrested last Tuesday (February 28) when Deputies stopped a Toyota 4Runner for a traffic violation on Interstate 77 southbound, near mile-marker 63. While speaking with the driver, Perdomo, and a passenger, Martinez, Deputies noticed signs of deceptive behavior.

K-9 Officer “Brandi” was called to assist. The dog alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. Deputies conducted a search and found two packages of cocaine concealed in the vehicle. The cocaine weighed more than 4.4 pounds with a street value of $430,000.

Perdomo and Martinez were arrested and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center with bond for each set at $500,000, secured. No court dates are currently listed.

During the booking process, Officers learned that both suspects are in the United States illegally. Both men are being held under a federal detainer. The investigation is ongoing.