Roanoke Rapids police are investigating two home invasions over the weekend in which the victims had current or former ties to the local drug trade.

One occurred Friday in the West Fourth Street area while the other occurred Saturday on Woodlawn Street, according to Major Tommy Hathaway.

Nothing was taken in either home invasion, in which the suspects in each were described as three to four black males, one of them armed with a semi-automatic weapon.

In each case the victims were ordered to sit down while the house was searched, Hathaway said. Money was also demanded but none was given and nothing was taken.

In the Saturday home invasion the victim admitted to being involved in the drug trade while in the one Friday the victim admitted he had once been involved but was changing his ways, Hathaway said.

There was little physical description given and it is unclear whether the two are related or whether they could be related to home invasions in the Seaboard area over the weekend in which two people died.

The suspects were average and height weight. They wore hooded clothing and covered their faces.

Hathaway said motive in these cases if often multi-pronged. “It could be revenge, jealousy over, turf and financial gains. There are actually motives of wanting the drugs.”

Hathaway said that the victims involved in the crimes have either had or still have a part in the drug trade is irrelevant. “Basically, it’s a crime of greed. It doesn’t matter if the victim is a drug dealer or convicted felon. They are still a part of this community. It doesn’t matter if they have a criminal element, family members are still affected and the neighborhood is still affected.”

There is no evidence thus far the home invasions may have been gang-related, the major said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or the police department at 252-533-2810.