STUART, Va. — An undercover drug transaction at a store in Patrick County just across the North Carolina border has led to the seizure of thousands of dollars worth of Oxycodone and a vehicle, authorities say.

The bust, announced Tuesday by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office, involves a Friday incident at the Lee’s Kargo convenience store on Highway 103 in Claudville.

Two North Carolina men have been charged with a prescription narcotic trafficking offense as a result, according to Sheriff Dan Smith.

They were identified as Jerry Neil Cartledge, 40, of Taylorsville, and Junior Cleve Campbell, 69, of Harmony. Both are accused of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to distribute, a felony.

Smith said his office had received information Friday that Cartledge allegedly was en route to Patrick County to distribute a large quantity of Oxycodone pills. Oxycodone is a powerful narcotic that is legally available only by prescription, according to the sheriff.

That tip led to Cartledge and Campbell being met by an undercover officer at the Claudville convenience store. The suspects were arrested shortly after the meeting by Sgt. Eric O’Connell and Investigator Nick Pendleton.

“Numerous” deputies along with agents from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) assisted, Smith said.

Oxycodone valued at $3,960 was confiscated along with the suspects’ vehicle.

Cartledge and Campbell are being held in the Patrick County Jail without privilege of bond.

The Patrick sheriff says prescription narcotic trafficking is just as prevalent as the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. “These are powerful drugs that can ruin your life,” Smith said.

“I view these no differently than other hard drugs.”