A Roanoke Rapids man remains in jail following his arrest early Saturday morning on opium trafficking, weapons and other charges.

Major Anzell Harris of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said Corporal J. Velez observed a man identified as Jason Richardson, 37, acting suspiciously around 1:30 a.m. while in the parking lot of a convenience store on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Richardson had an outstanding order for arrest and Velez observed a rifle in the passenger seat  along with a half-smoked blunt in the console. A further search of the vehicle yielded cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, paraphernalia and two firearms.

Richardson was served with the outstanding order for arrest for felony drug counts that had a $60,000 bond attached. 

Velez charged Richardson with possession of a firearm by felon, trafficking opium, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine, felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of marijuana.

Richardson was jailed without the opportunity for bond and awaits an April 7 district court date.

Richardson received a suspended sentence in January of 2020 for failure to heed lights and siren and has a record dating dating back to 2007 for an array of driving offenses, according to the state Department of Adult Correction.