A man described as an alleged substantial cocaine trafficker was arrested early this morning by the City County Drug Task Force.

Task Force Captain A.M. Harris said Travis “TJ” Johnson has been on law enforcement radar for a while and has probably been operating for several years.

Johnson

A three-month investigation by Agent D. McKeel led to the 39-year-old's arrest after citizen complaints, officer observation and the service of a search warrant on Deer Run Drive, which is located in the area of the old airport off Highway 158.

Harris said a lot of traffic was observed going in and out of the area and law enforcement received numerous complaints.

McKeel said in a statement the raid took place around 5:30 this morning and with assistance from canine Josh, 31.6 grams of cocaine; 68.9 grams of marijuana; five Lortab and five Oxycodone pills were seized.

McKeel also noted a 9mm handgun, money, plastic baggies, a Mason jar and a digital scale were seized.

Harris said the cocaine has a street value of $2,000 and the marijuana a street value of $400. “He was able to keep the drugs off the streets,” the captain said of McKeel's investigation.

Johnson, who received a $20,000 secured bond and October 28 court date, faces the following the charges:

Possession of firearm by felon; trafficking cocaine; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; felony possession of marijuana; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances, two counts simple possession of schedule II; possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription label not present.

McKeel said in the statement citizens are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 to report any drug activity or log onto www.halifaxsheriff.com to submit a tip.