Nash couple accused of trafficking cocaine

NASHVILLE, N.C. — A Nash County couple faces numerous charges in connection with a yearlong drug trafficking investigation, which authorities say is a significant drug bust for the area.

Deputies arrested, Gavino Mendoza, 35, and his wife, Martina Hernandez Uribe, 31, both of 7549 Sarah Way in Rocky Mount.

The couple ran a large drug trafficking operation from their home and were sending drugs and money out of state and out of the country, investigators said Thursday morning.

Mendoza, who was arrested Tuesday following an undercover drug buy, faces six counts of trafficking cocaine and two counts of maintaining a place for the purpose of keeping and storing a controlled substance.

Uribe was arrested Thursday morning and charged with one count each of manufacturing marijuana, possessing drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell cocaine, maintaining a place for the purpose of keeping and storing a controlled substance and trafficking cocaine.

Among the items seized from the couple's home was 5.5 pounds of cocaine worth about $250,000, as well as $110,000 in cash and marijuana.

The investigation is not over, and the sheriff's office says there could be more charges and additional arrests.

Investigators also said Thursday that they are working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to determine if the couple is in the country illegally.