Hayesville Woman Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Hayesville, NC – On June 19, 2025, a routine traffic stop by Clay County Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of a local woman on multiple drug-related charges. At approximately 12:35 PM, Officer Brandon Coker stopped a gray Chevrolet truck at the intersection of Truett Camp Road and US Hwy 64 west in Hayesville due to the vehicle lacking a license plate.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Amy Nicole Lavender of Hayesville, was unable to provide a driver’s license. During the interaction, Officer Coker observed Lavender attempting to conceal items in and under her purse. Additional officers, including Sgt. Will Suggs, Investigator Nick Queen, Officer Nate Rogers, and N.C. Trooper AJ Gordon, arrived to assist.

The truck was found to have no active insurance, a violation of state law. Investigator Queen noted Lavender’s nervous and emotional behavior. When asked to exit the vehicle, Lavender threw her cell phone against the windshield and tried to hide a gray package under her arm. Inside the package, officers discovered a plastic container holding syringes filled with liquid, a blue rubber band, a soda can bottom with crystal-like residue, and multiple containers with a white crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

A search of the truck revealed a brown purse on the front passenger seat containing a blue flashlight. Inside the flashlight, officers found a clear plastic bag with a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Lavender was charged by Trooper Gordon with Driving While Impaired. She also faces felony charges for Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Vehicle for Drugs. Lavender is being held under a $21,000 secured bond pending her release.