A traffic checking station that is not only related to the recent murders in Weldon, but an assurance of more patrols in their wake, resulted in several citations and arrests Thursday night.

“This is part of the visibility and a way to show presence and a way to gain information on these murders,” Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said this afternoon.

Captain Anzell Harris said in a statement narcotics agents with the sheriff's office made several arrests and citations under an hour after setting up at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Eleventh Street.

The first came as Agent D.R. Radford was in the process of issuing Swain L. Jones, 42, of Weldon a state uniform citation for no operator’s license when deputies received information that the passenger may be in possession of narcotics.

During the continued investigation, deputies noticed the grip of a gun and ordered the passenger out of the car.

The passenger resisted Agent D.C. Dickens by pulling away. He was identified as 29-year-old Edwin R. Branch of Weldon.

Dickens arrested Branch for resisting a public officer and he was taken to the sheriff’s office where he was processed and given a $2,000 secured bond.

Following that a vehicle approached Dickens. The strong odor of marijuana was reportedly wafting from the vehicle.

Dickens identified the driver as Christopher Gay, 32, of Jackson.

During the search of Gay and the vehicle, Dickens found four individually wrapped bags of marijuana — 9.6 grams — in the crotch of his pants. Dickens arrested Gay and charged him with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana. He was given a $1,200 secured bond with a September 3 court date.

Shortly after 10:15 p.m, a car pulled up to Corporal C.E. Carroll, who reportedly smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside.

The driver was identified as Carroll Ronald Dickens Jr., 25, of Gaston.

During the search of Carroll Dickens, approximately 82 grams of marijuana was seized from his waistband.

Carroll arrested Carroll Dickens and charged him with felony possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance.

Carroll Dickens was given a $3,000 secured bond with a September 3 court date.

Deputy P. Moyer also cited Gregory Banks, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, for revoked tags and no insurance.

“Deputy P. Moyer, Corporal C.E. Carroll, Agent D.C. Dickens, and Agent D.R. Radford are commended for their hard work and dedication,” Harris said in the statement.