The 14 bricks contained 700 bindles, Captain Anzell Harris said, their seizure the result of a reported motor vehicle violation observed by Deputy D. McKeel on Edwards Fork Road near Highway 125 shortly before 10:30 a,m,

“Heroin use and distribution is one of the major concerns in the Scotland Neck Ccommunity,” Harris said in a statement. “Deputy McKeel made a tremendous impact in the distribution of heroin in the Scotland Neck community. Approximately $14,000 of heroin is off the streets in our community.”

McKeel approached the vehicle and could reportedly smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside. He identified the driver as Collin Lee Whitaker Jr., 21, of Scotland Neck.

A search of the vehicle with assistance from Patrolman C. Exum of the Scotland Neck Police Department not only yielded the heroin but a user amount of marijuana, cigar paper and white lottery wrappers, which are lottery slips used to hold the bindles.

Harris said the narcotics unit had not dealt with Whitaker before.

Whitaker faces charges of trafficking heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a vehicle, place or dwelling to keep a controlled substance, possession of up to a half-ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He received a $30,000 secured bond and March 18 court date.