Vincent

Captain A.M. Harris of the City County Drug Task Force said Alton Vincent, 38, has been on law enforcement radar for several years.

In the last few weeks, however, information came in complaining of traffic coming in and out of the area where he lives on John Street, which is on the opposite end of the Historic Courthouse in Halifax.

Traffic would come and go for only a short period of time, Harris said.

The culmination of the complaints and investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant, which was executed around noon today.

Tripp, left, and Harris, right, with Corporal Matt Brown.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement during the search 90 pounds of marijuana was seized, along with a shotgun and several items of paraphernalia which included gallon-sized plastic bags, trash bags, Cigarillos, a grinder and digital scales.

Harris said agents found marijuana in Vincent's vehicle and in a shed in the back yard. One trash bag contained 40 pounds and another contained 50 pounds packaged for sale by the pound. “He's a major supplier for our area. I think it's going to make a huge dent.”

Harris some dealers who reportedly bought from Vincent were local while some were “very near” to the area.

Warrants have been obtained for Vincent's arrest on charges of possession of a firearm by felon, trafficking in marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possess marijuana up to one-half ounce, possess marijuana paraphernalia, and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance.

Harris said Vincent tends to frequent areas in Roanoke Rapids.

Tripp said in the statement the street value of what he described as mid-grade marijuana is approximately $612,900.

Vincent was convicted in Halifax County in 2000 for maintaining a dwelling, possession of schedule II and possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance. In 2011 he was convicted of possession of schedule VI in Wake County.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444; Halifax Central at 252-583-1991 or log onto the sheriff's office website to report a tip.