AHOSKIE – Two Ahoskie men are behind bars following a drug arrest.

Alexander Falice, 57, of Lloyd Street and 26-year-old Derrick Devon Gatling of Saluda Hall Road face a combined three felony charges. Both were scheduled to make their first court appearance on Tuesday.

According to Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh, APD Sgt. Tyrone Ruffin and Officer Trainee Johnnie Hoggard were on patrol Friday night in the area of First and Maple streets. There they observed what appeared to be a transaction taking place between two individuals.

“When Sgt. Ruffin turned to go back to where the two individuals were standing, the two had split up,” Fitzhugh said. “They were able to find one of the two individuals and approached that person.”

Fitzhugh said that person (Falice), upon learning that the officers had observed something suspicious, admitted to purchasing crack cocaine and handed that drug over to Ruffin.

Falice was arrested for felony possession of crack cocaine and placed in the Hertford County Jail under a $1,000 secured bond.

“We were able to gain information concerning the second suspect (Gatling) and had a warrant drawn for his arrest,” Fitzhugh said.

Ruffin and Hoggard returned to the area where the alleged drug transaction took place and were able to locate Gatling. Upon a search of his person, Gatling was found in possession of controlled substances, leading to two felony charges – possession of crack cocaine, and possession with intent to sale and deliver – and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gatling was jailed under a $21,000 secured bond.

“I would like to commend Sgt. Ruffin for being alert and observant and using his investigative skills to net two drug arrests as we continue our efforts to rid this town of illegal drugs,” Fitzhugh said.