The raid led to the seizure of 745 grams of marijuana, currency and several items of paraphernalia. The paraphernalia, Harris said in a statement, consisted of a digital scale, screens, a pipe and a marijuana grinder.
Marijuana was found in the master bedroom and kitchen area, Harris said.
Harris said the task force had been receiving complaints for several months about drug use at the residence as well as sales.
The task force, along with patrol division of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department went to the residence shortly after 3:15 this afternoon where a search warrant was served.
Harris said in the statement investigation was conducted by Agent D.R. Radford due to citizen complaints and source information.
Corporal J. Bozard of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and his dog Fino aided in the search of the residence.
During the investigation Beverly Howell, 66, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested when she came to the residence and was asked several times to leave the property. “When told she was under arrest for resist, delay or obstruct a public officer she pushed and pulled away from the agents,” Harris said in the statement.
Ms. Howell was arrested and charged with resist, delay or obstruct a public officer and received a $500 bond.
Radford arrested and charged Mr. Howell and Matthews for felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell or deliver marijuana, maintain a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
Matthews received a $10,000 bond and Mr. Howell a $15,000 bond.
They were assigned August 24 court dates.
Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said the arrests, “Show we are working together as a task force, trying to make a dent in the drug traffic.”
Harris said in the statement the street value of what he called high-grade marijuana is approximately $11,175.
Release of July task force statistics
The task force today also released statistics for the month of July as well as year to date figures.
“We are appreciative of the partnerships we have with Roanoke Rapids and Weldon as we joining and tackle the drug problem countywide in Halifax County,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said this evening.
The stats are as follows:
MISDEMEANOR DRUG ARRESTS: 22; YTD 165
FELONY DRUG ARRESTS: 40; YTD 180
CRIMINAL CHARGES: 33; YTD 211
TOTAL: 95 YTD TOTAL: 560
GRAMS OF MARIJUANA: 70/$350.00; YTD $651,955.00
GRAMS OF COCAINE: 1080/$64,800.00; YTD 1,187/$71,220.00
GRAMS OF HEROIN: 23.5; YTD 39.5
DOSAGE UNITS OF HEROIN: 0; YTD 207
DOSAGE UNITS OF MEDICINE: 0; YTD 4725.5
AMOUNT OF US CURRENCY: $48,235.10; YTD $57,604.04
EXECUTED SEARCH WARRANTS: 7; YTD 40
FEDERAL HOURS: 0; YTD 109.5
OPEN CASES: 29; YTD 183
CLOSED CASES: 31; YTD 135
Street values for seizure purposes: $5.00/gm for marijuana and $15.00/gm for mid grade marijuana, $60.00/gm for cocaine and $180.00/gm of raw heroin.
