March 3, 2026, the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Division (SID) conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 268 near Thunder Road in Stokes County. During the traffic stop, K-9 Diesel gave a positive alert to the vehicle for the presence of narcotics. Detectives searched the vehicle and the occupants, identifying one of the occupants as Edward Mckinley France Jr. from Pilot Mountain. Mr. France had in his possession a trafficking amount of methamphetamine, trafficking amount of fentanyl, and over 24 grams of cocaine. 

The SID detectives applied for a search warrant of France’s home and discovered a firearm, oxycodone pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Detectives also found that Mr. France had a small child living with him in the home exposing the child to these dangerous drugs. 

The magistrate found probable cause for the charges listed below and gave Mr. France a court date to appear in the Stokes County District Court on 04/15/2026. France is currently in the Stokes County Jail without a bond. 

Date of Arrest: 03/03/2026

Edward Mckinley France Jr. 

D.O.B. 10/22/1977

Trafficking by Transportation Fentanyl 

Trafficking by Possession Fentanyl

Trafficking by Possession Methamphetamine 

Trafficking by Transportation Methamphetamine

Possession with Intent to Sell & Deliver Methamphetamine 

Possession with Intent to Sell & Deliver Fentanyl

Possession with Intent to Sell & Deliver Cocaine

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

Possession of a Firearm by Felon

Possession with Intent Sell & Deliver Sch II CS

Possession with Intent Sell & Deliver Marijuana 

Maintaining a Dwelling Place 

Exposing a Child to Harmful Drugs