The task force which arrested the largest reputed heroin dealer in the area is already compiling evidence for possible federal adoption of the case, Scotland Neck Police Chief Joe Williams said Thursday.

The arrest of Antonio Blanding Wednesday marked one of the largest heroin raids in Halifax County history, some 1,500 packets contained in 30 bricks with 50 bags within each one.

Evidence shows, Williams said, that Blanding was making at least two trips a month  to replenish his supply, most likely spending somewhere between $60,000 to $70,000 for the thriving business.

How much Blanding made off the trade is hard to say, Williams said, and while it appears he was more interested in selling large bricks, there is evidence that suggests he was allegedly selling from his house on Twelfth Street in an old and quiet section of town. "He had people in his yard. Some came on bikes. Some drove up in nice cars. Some came on foot."

The business knew no class boundaries, Williams said. "You would see all socioeconomic types."

Selling heroin from anywhere from $11 to $14 a hit made it economically attractive, a drug with an intense high at a cheaper price than crack.

Over the last several months, however, intelligence on the operation began coming in, Williams said.

Blanding, of 209 West Twelfth Street, faces charges of level three trafficking of heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a dwelling to sell and conceal a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle to transport, store and conceal a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Williams said in an earlier interview Thursday if convicted in the state court, Blanding could face up to 25 years in prison. He said, however, the task force will seek federal indictments.

The arrest was the result of a long investigation by state Alcohol Law Enforcement and the police departments of Scotland Neck, Enfield and Tarboro, which form a Tri-City Taskforce.

The arrest yielded $38,000 worth of heroin, $1,225 in cash, a 2006 Dodge Magnum, an Uzi styled 9mm gun with two clips holding 30 rounds each, Williams said.

Heroin is slowly becoming a problem in the Scotland Neck area, Williams said in the earlier interview. Blanding's cousin was convicted last month following a raid in which 75 bindles of heroin were seized.

People from Roanoke Rapids, Tarboro, Rocky Mount and other areas have been coming to Scotland Neck to buy heroin, Williams said. "It has longer lasting effects and a lower cost."

Since the increase the police department has received a few overdose calls and increased calls of intoxicated individuals, some walking in the middle of the street.

The increase has the potential to push crack dealers out of sight, Williams said. "With more and more coming and the sheer economics, it could push it down lower on the totem pole."

The arrest Wednesday night, however, Williams said, "Dealt a major blow to it."

Thirty bricks were located in the house and another 14 bags were located in a hidden compartment of the car that was seized.