Two Rocky Mount men were arrested on heroin counts Friday night following a stop for a motor vehicle violation outside Scotland Neck.

Major Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office confirmed Randy Smith, 21, a passenger, and Kevin B. Carter, 39, the driver, were on Highway 258 south when Deputy S.N. Casey stopped them for having a 30-day tag that wasn't legible.

In a statement Hall said Smith was attempting to hide two packages of white powder under his seat. A search yielded two bindles of heroin. Further investigation revealed Carter had 31 bindles of heroin, hypodermic needles and spoons.

Carter was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin; possession of heroin; maintaining a vehicle to keep a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $30,000 secured bond and April 22 court date.

Smith was arrested for possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given a $3,000 secured bond and has the same court date as Carter.

Sergeant D. Coley and Deputy D. W. McKeel assisted in the stop and arrest.