Franklin Man Arrested on Drug Charges in Clay County

Clay County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On 09/12/25 at 9:45 PM Clay County Investigator Brandon Coker and Lt. Tyler Faggard were traveling east on US 64 in the Shooting Creek Community of Clay County when they turned around and got behind a white Infiniti that was traveling west bound. The Infiniti drastically sped up. Investigator Coker and Lt. Faggard had to accelerate to 100 mph in order to catch up with the car. The Infiniti was eventually stopped in the parking lot of Taylor’s Arcade at 8620 US Hwy 64 east in Hayesville. Once stopped, the driver of the Infiniti quickly got out and started swiftly walking away from the car. Investigator Coker and Lt. Faggard ordered Britton back to the driver’s door of his car. The driver was identified as Nicholas Robert Britton, 43 years of age from Franklin, NC.

During this traffic stop, Clay County Investigator Steven Smith and Officer Drew Judge arrived to assist Investigator Coker and Lt. Faggard. Britton told Investigator Coker and Lt. Faggard he had no driver’s license, had just gotten out of prison, and was on parole from the State of Florida. Britton’s person was frisked or searched for officer safety at which time a pocketknife and a pair of brass knuckles was recovered from his pants pockets. Britton consented to a search of his vehicle at which time two hypodermic needles were found within the console.

A more thorough probable cause search of Britton’s person was then conducted at which time a small baggy containing a powered substance was found within the watch pocket of his blue jeans. This substance field tested positive for Fentanyl. A continued search of the Infiniti yielded a Marlboro cigarette pack stuffed down between the driver’s seat and the center console. This cigarette pack contained a clear rolled up baggy containing a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Britton was arrested and charged with felony Possession of Methamphetamine, felony Possession of Fentanyl, felony Maintaining a Vehicle for Controlled Substances, and Reckless Driving to Endanger. Britton was issued a $50,000 secured bond for his release due to being a flight risk.