The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office reported on Mar. 9 that Antwain Darel Soriano, age 33, was arrested following a traffic stop and subsequent search in Randleman. The incident began on March 4, 2026, when the Vice Narcotics Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop near W. Academy Street and Interstate 73. A K-9 unit alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, leading to a probable cause search where detectives found and seized a trafficking amount of methamphetamine and U.S. currency.
Following the initial stop, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on New Hope Church Road in Asheboro. During this search, additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.
Soriano was taken into custody and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center. The magistrate found probable cause for the charge of felony trafficking in methamphetamine. Soriano received a $100,000 secured bond with his first court appearance scheduled for March 6, 2026, in Randolph County District Court.
In related community news, data from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction shows that among senior students in Randolph County school districts during the 2022-23 school year, only 15.9% were considered ready for college in science based on ACT scores according to the department. For junior students taking the same test, just 14.2% met college readiness standards according to the department.
Reading proficiency rates were higher: among seniors taking the reading portion of the ACT, 23.6% were deemed college-ready according to state data, while juniors reached a rate of 21.1% according to state data. Math readiness remained lower; only 13.1% of seniors and 10.1% of juniors achieved college-ready scores in math as reported by the department.
The arrest comes as local authorities continue efforts against drug trafficking while educational statistics highlight ongoing challenges faced by students preparing for post-secondary education.
