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MURFREESBORO – Four individuals were arrested on Friday, June 17 on various drug charges in “Operation Spring Cleaning” which was spearheaded by the Murfreesboro Police Department.

MPD Chief David Griffith said the arrests came after an extensive months-long investigation. After the warrants were obtained, the department collaborated with the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Down East Drug Task Force, Ahoskie Police Department, and Bertie County Sheriff’s Office to make the arrests.

The four people taken into custody were Stacy Lassiter, 22, of Ahoskie; Delnisha Smith, 41, of Murfreesboro; Thornell Powell, 42, of Murfreesboro; and Darryl Bazell, 25, of Murfreesboro.

Lassiter was charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II-controlled substance and two counts of maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. He was placed under a $6,000 secured bond.

Smith was charged with four counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II-controlled substance as well as four counts of maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. She was placed under a $60,000 secured bond.

Powell was charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II-controlled substance and two counts of maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance. He was placed under a $30,000 secured bond.

Bazell was charged with only one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule-II controlled substance. He was placed under a $10,000 secured bond.

All the charges are felonies.

Griffith said the investigation began due to numerous complaints regarding activity at several residences over the last few months.

“We take these types of investigations very seriously,” Griffith explained. “They take time to work, and I appreciate our citizens’ patience. Without citizens speaking up and asking for help, we could not effectively do our job when it comes to these types of cases. It’s not fair to have to live somewhere and not feel safe.

“I want to especially thank Captain Dilday and Lt. Barmer who worked very hard on these cases,” he continued. “They were tasked with cleaning up Spring Avenue and some of the other areas in town, and I think Friday’s arrests show they did a wonderful job.”

Griffith also noted that there are still some outstanding warrants stemming from the operation, and they are continuing to work to locate those individuals.