A Garysburg man and Roanoke Rapids man were arrested and charged Tuesday on fentanyl trafficking counts after police began receiving tips of drug sales from a local motel.

Jalen Garner, 25, of Garysburg, and Alexton Andrew, 19, of Roanoke Rapids, face charges of trafficking fentanyl, conspiracy to traffick fentanyl, possession with intent to sell and deliver fentanyl, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and simple possession of marijuana.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin said this morning officers have been receiving complaints of drug sales at local motels for about a month.

In a statement Martin said police department narcotics Agent B. Council began receiving tips of drug sales coming from a particular room of the Hampton Inn.

Council and officers conducted a follow-up investigation and encountered Garner and Andrew.

The men were reportedly in possession of 11.9 grams of fentanyl packaged for sale and a small amount of marijuana.

Martin said there have been complaints of frequent traffic at the motel room and the smell of marijuana also served as a giveaway.

Andrew was released on an unsecured bond. Martin said the unsecured bond reflects that this was, to officers’ knowledge, the first time he had been in any significant trouble with the law.

Garner received a $25,000 secured bond.

The men have February 3 court dates.

PACE Officer J. Desare, and patrol officers C. Roberts and S. Langley assisted.

No mugshots were available today.