Captain A.M. Harris said today he couldn’t speak with certainty whether the owner knew or sanctioned illicit drug sales inside the cellular store business located off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway in what is traditionally called the Lowe’s Shopping Center.
He said investigation had been ongoing for several months before the undercover operation around 4:30 p.m.
In a statement on the matter, the task force said a drug complaint from Captain Roy Rooks of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office led agents to the business in the 1700 block of Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.
The complaint, according to the statement released by Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty, was the strong odor of marijuana inside the business and possible drug sales from the store.
An undercover agent assisting the task force went to the local business and reportedly purchased marijuana from the employee.
Task force agents went to the business and identified the employee as Raphael Rashon Rivers, 27, of Garysburg.
During the search of Rivers’ vehicle, Agent D.R. Radford seized marijuana and items of marijuana paraphernalia.
Radford arrested and charged Rivers with possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, sell marijuana and deliver marijuana and additional charges of possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance.
He received a $1,000 bond with a March 15 court date.