A vehicle found in a ditch Saturday night off Thelma Road led to an investigation in which 66 bindles of heroin was seized.

The events unfolded around 10 p.m. when Lieutenant Tim Harris of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office located the vehicle abandoned, Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement.

Edmonds, left, and Banks.

Harris stopped a man and woman he had previously seen walking on Thelma Road when the man, later identified as Darrell McDonald Edmonds, reportedly ran towards Wood Store Road and threw something in the woods.

Further investigation led Harris to arrest Edmonds, 35, for littering. During the arrest Harris allegedly discovered paraphernalia on Edmonds, including small packaging bags.

While Harris was dealing with Edmonds, the woman, Merita Renee Banks, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, reportedly began to grab and attempt to destroy the evidence.

Harris tousled with both Edmonds and Banks as an Halifax EMS employee saw the activity and radioed for help, assisting in detaining Edmonds, who was already handcuffed.

Harris arrested Banks for resisting arrest.

With additional law enforcement at the scene, Harris discovered 66 bindles of heroin and 2 grams of cocaine in the package that was discarded.

Major Scott Hall said 66 bindles of heroin is valued at $20 per bindle.

Edmonds was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of drug paraphernalia; littering; resist arrest; giving fictitious information to an officer and four outstanding orders for arrest.

Edmonds was jailed on $23,500 secured bond and awaits an August 20 court date. Banks was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and one outstanding order for arrest. She was jailed on $1,500 secured bond and awaits the same court date as Edmonds.

Tripp said law enforcement is beginning to see heroin in all parts of the county.

Said Hall: “With prescription pills being a bit more difficult to get the addicts have sought out heroin as it is an opiate.”