“We’re going to work together,” Smith said, “especially when there is activity between the two communities. We’ve been working with them anyway.”
Harris said, “We’ve been sharing a lot of information and are going to be sharing a lot more information on cases.”
Whether this will eventually mean the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will officially join the task force is something that may be explored in the future, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said.
Right now, Tripp said, “I and Sheriff Jack Smith welcome (the sharing of information and the joint efforts). Criminals have no boundaries, why should we?. Anything is possible in the future. We’re going to continue to work together today and tomorrow.”
The first raid occurred July 15 shortly before 5:15 a.m., Harris said a statement.
Agents from the Northampton sheriff’s office, the task force and the Halifax Hazardous Entry and Arrest Team executed a search warrant at a residence on Brown Street in Pleasant Hill.
There they discovered marijuana, bulk currency and several items of drug paraphernalia.
Northampton narcotics Lieutenant A.J. Thomas issued Jerome Borady and Jameze Lee North Carolina Uniform Citations.
Broady was charged with possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Lee was charged with possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce. Both received August 16 court dates.
Last Thursday in Gaston, the same team which worked the Pleasant Hill operation executed a search warrant at a residence on Thacker Lane.
During the search of the property, agents located marijuana, firearms, bulk currency and several items of packaging materials.
Thomas arrested and charged Shermarquette Whitaker, 33, for possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance, and possess firearm by felon.
Whitaker received a $5,000 bond and August 25 court date.
Harris declined to disclose the amounts of currency seized at each residence.
Harris said in the statement the search warrants were the results of a mutual agreement between Smith and Tripp.” Agents of the City County Drug Task Force and the Narcotics Division of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office will continue to share information and follow up on drug complaints,” the statement said.