In slightly more than a month authorities in Northampton County have made two significant drug arrests, according to Captain Patrick Jacobs of the sheriff’s office.
The drug probes are not connected, he said.
The two arrests stem from a meeting in March in which the sheriffs of Northampton, Hertford and Bertie counties, along with the Ahoskie Police Department discussed how they could assist each other, Sheriff Jack Smith said. “These administration heads chose to revive and redesign the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.”
In the gallery from left: Johnson and Richardson
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Tuesday, September 3
Law enforcement officers with the sheriff’s office, task force, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at a residence outside of Woodland as part of an ongoing investigation into what Jacobs said was Marcus Johnson’s involvement in drug trafficking throughout the county.
Through the investigation, probable cause was developed to believe that Johnson was selling illegal narcotics from the residence.
As a result of the search, law enforcement officers located 100 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and items used to package and sell narcotics.
Johnson, 45, was arrested and charged for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking cocaine by possession, trafficking cocaine by transportation, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for the sale of a controlled substance, and resisting a public officer.
He awaits an October 17 district court date.
Friday, August 9
An indepth joint investigation involving the Down East task force and Halifax County Drug & Gang Task Force led to the execution of multiple search warrants in Northampton and Halifax counties.
Law enforcement officers developed probable cause to believe Tshaka Richardson was involved in illegal drug activity.
Search warrants were issued and executed for Richardson's residence in Roanoke Rapids and two residences in Woodland where Jacobs said he conducted criminal activity.
As a result of the search, law enforcement officers located large amounts of marijuana and two firearms.
Richardson, 37, of Woodland was arrested and charged with various firearm and drug charges to include two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for the sale of a controlled substance.
He awaits a September 19 district court date.
The sheriff’s office encourages people to continue to report criminal activity and to utilize Northampton County Crime Stoppers