The Roanoke Rapids Police Department reported the following, according to Chief Bobby Martin:
Friday shortly after 10 p.m., Officer D. Newsome was patrolling in the area of Highway 158 and Carolina BBQ & Chicken when he noticed an erratic driver in a truck swerve into other lanes of traffic.
Newsome stopped the driver and began his investigation.
Corporal M. Hunsucker and his dog Dubai arrived on scene to assist.
The driver’s speech was slurred and she could not maintain her balance when asked to step out.
Hunsucker checked the vehicle and Dubai alerted for the presence of narcotics.
The vehicle was checked and a white powdery substance was found in a receipt balled up.
The driver was asked about the substance and she replied it was fentanyl.
Amber Ruble, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with driving while impaired, possession of schedule I, and driving left of center.
She was placed under $2,000 bond with a September 23 court date.
Martin said this morning the department has had four or five calls “for the potential of driving under the influence of fentanyl or heroin within the last month.”
Saturday shortly before 9 a.m., Officer Curtis Batchelor was patrolling in the area of the Fairfax Motel trying to locate a stolen vehicle.
While in the area, he noticed suspicious activity at a motel room consistent with the sale of drugs.
Batchelor drove through the lot and a person posted as a lookout notified the people in the room of the police presence.
Batchelor observed this and moved away from the area to observe the traffic going in and out of the room.
Batchelor contacted Sergeant D. Hundley and the two officers went to the room they suspected of selling drugs.
The officers knocked on the door and were met by the overwhelming scent of marijuana.
While in the room, officers recovered 6 grams of marijuana, Percocet pills, digital scales, and a marijuana grinder.
Troy Covington, 49, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with state citations for the items seized and received an October 14 court date.
