The Roanoke Rapids Police Department continued its Operation Summer Heat campaign today, issuing an arrest warrant on a man for selling marijuana.

Summer Heat is the campaign that has already led to arrests of three people.

Captain Andy Jackson said narcotics agents, with help from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, served a search warrant at 903 Henry Street for Roy Pernell Shearin, 42, but the man wasn’t home. Officers found paraphernalia at his apartment and already had a warrant on him for possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

The case, based on citizen complaints, remains under investigation.

The police department plans the stings throughout the summer, Jackson said. “As summer progresses we’ll be trying to rid neighborhoods of illegal criminal activity and drugs and turn up the heat.”

Police can’t do it alone, however. “We encourage citizens that live in these communities to actively participate by calling us.”

Callers will remain anonymous, Jackson said. “It’s important they get involved and help take back their community. We can’t do it without them.”

One of the ways people can get involved is by joining a community watch program, which Jackson said was instrumental in officers obtaining warrants in today’s case. “A lot of information from these meetings is passed to detectives directly.”

Those whose schedules don’t allow them to attend meetings may call the detective division to report drug and other illegal activity.

Because of the number of complaints on Henry Street, the police department has already sent letters to landlords informing them of criminal activity. “Some have already initiated action so it’s been a big help,” Jackson said. “But the community has got to work together.”

More information on Community Watch can be obtained by calling Lieutenant Charles Burnette at 252-533-2818.