AHOSKIE – The alleged smell of alcohol on the breath of a motor vehicle operator wound-up to be much more here last week.

Corvell Lagrant Simmons of Ahoskie is in the Hertford County Jail under a $505,000 cash bond following his Sept. 7 arrest on drug charges. He stands charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine and resist, delay and obstruct a law enforcement officer.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh reported that Simmons’ arrest stemmed from a vehicle stop performed at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 by Ahoskie Traffic Officer Kenneth Mizelle.

“Officer Mizelle was aware that Simmons had previously been known to operate a motor vehicle without a valid operator’s license,” Fitzhugh said. “Upon seeing Simmons operating a motor vehicle in the Academy/First Street area on Sept. 7, Officer Mizelle stopped the vehicle as it pulled into a private driveway on Mitchell Street.”

Mizelle’s report showed that Simmons and a passenger exited the vehicle and began to walk away from the officer. Mizelle then asked Simmons to produce a driver’s license, which he did and which was valid.

“At that time, Officer Mizelle noticed the smell of alcohol on Simmons’ breath,” Fitzhugh said. “Officer Mizelle asked Simmons if he had consumed any alcohol, to which Simmons answered no. As Officer Mizelle continued ask questions, Simmons turned and ran.”

During the pursuit, Mizelle noted in his report that he observed Simmons reaching into his pocket and tossing something on the ground. After overtaking Simmons and placing him under arrest, Mizelle retraced his steps and found a plastic baggie containing a white, rock-like substance, later determined to be approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine.

Fitzhugh added that a large amount of cash was discovered and seized from Simmons.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve arrested Mr. Simmons on drug charges,” Fitzhugh said. “He also has a previous arrest from the old Drug Task Force.”

Fitzhugh said based on Simmons’ prior arrests for illegal narcotics and due to the amount of drugs seized during his most recent run-in with law enforcement, he is recommending this case be turned over to federal authorities.