Traffic Stop Leads to Methamphetamine Trafficking Arrest in Cherokee County

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On October 25, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for equipment violations and failure to maintain lane in the Murphy area of Cherokee County, North Carolina.

During the course of the stop, the driver, identified as Darren Ray Carter, denied consent for a search of the vehicle. A K-9 unit responded to the traffic stop and K-9 “Epic,” was deployed and gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics within the vehicle. Based on the K-9’s alert, a probable-cause search was conducted.

The search yielded approximately 117 grams of suspected methamphetamine being concealed under the center console, drug paraphernalia was also discovered. Carter and his passenger, identified as Emmalyn Bryson, were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Darren Ray Carter was charged with:

 • Trafficking in Methamphetamine

 • Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Controlled Substance

Bond: $50,000 secured

Emmalyn Bryson was charged with:

 • Possession of Methamphetamine

 • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Bond: No bond

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit continues its efforts to target the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics within Cherokee County.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.