"At this point I'm not convinced the drugs were his. Two months ago I never would have even considered the possibility they were planted."
I really doubt the Chapel Hill police department had any idea this guy was a laxer when they pulled him over. And I really doubt that even if they did they'd be in some plot with a DA from a different county and a different city to get the kid.
Two months ago I never would have believed a town like Durham could exist in this country. The depth of corruption is incredible and I suspect we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.
Many of the police in Durham have worked in other police departments. I'm sure they know their counterparts in Chapel Hill. It's possible they were looking for him or other players still living in the area.
Keep in mind: In Durham during the last election, 8 of the 17 candidates for mayor or city council had police records; the police were running a prostitution ring 15 years ago;they still might be running one; the police harrass potential witnesses, e.g., cab driver; a detective in the police criminal investigation unit was charged recently with scamming up to 100k in a real estate scandal. He is still working in that unit.
I could go on and on. Plant evidence? You bet.