LEWISTON WOODVILLE – A Lewiston Woodville man got an early-morning wakeup call from the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office Friday.

Acting on information received through investigation, Bertie County Sheriff John Holley and several of his officers along with Lewiston Woodville Police Chief Winston Panton, served a search warrant at 6 a.m. on Lake Drive.

Upon entering the home, officers found 29 grams of marijuana.

“We received information about drug activity at the home, which led us to draw a search warrant,” Sheriff Holley said.

Charged in the incident is Eric Lamont Rankins, 23. He faces two felonies – possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. Rankins also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $51,000 secured bond and will make his first appearance next week.

Working with Sheriff Holley and Chief Panton were Chief Deputy Greg Atkins, Det. Sgt. Ed Pittman, Det. Sgt. Kenny Gilliam, Detectives Blake Mizelle and Eddie Hoggard and Deputies Jason Thomas and Chris Leggett.

“I appreciate the work of my officers and the assistance of the Lewiston Police Department,” Sheriff Holley said. “We will continue to aggressively pursue everyone who is dealing drugs in this county.

“As always, I urge any citizen with knowledge about illegal activity to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 794-5330 or call me at 724-1681,” Sheriff Holley said. “I don’t want your name, I want your information.”