Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

COLERAIN – A local man is behind bars, held on a one million dollar bond following his arrest on narcotics and weapon charges here yesterday (Wednesday).

Adrain Jones, 39, of Colerain following an extensive investigation into illegal narcotics distribution in that area.

The Down East Drug & Violent Crime Task Force (DEDVCTF), Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) executed a search warrant at a residence on Rankins Street in Colerain. Jones was located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident.

A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of 467 grams of marijuana, 631 grams of cocaine, a semi-automatic pistol, and $11,865 in U.S. currency.

Jones was charged with six felonies: possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana, two counts of maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place to keep a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

After being processed, Jones was confined to the Bertie Martin Regional Jail.

The Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is comprised of members from the Ahoskie Police Department, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.

“Awesome job with the joint effort this is a prime example of how drug distribution doesn’t stop at the county line,” stated Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett “We will continue to combat drugs and violent criminals in our communities. We also appreciate our team leaders for providing resources for our agencies, to make our cities and counties safer.”

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes said the combined effort helps broaden the resources of smaller law enforcement agencies.

“This joint operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from the harmful impacts from drug trafficking and violent crime,” Hayes noted. “We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure the safety of our residents and bring those responsible for criminal activity to justice.”

Northampton County Sheriff Jack Smith said community involvement provides a big boost to helping identify and locate drug dealers.

“It takes law enforcement and the communities working together to do our utmost to protect our children and community. I would like to commend the Task Force for their hard work. This is proof that working together works,” Smith stated.

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin thanked all the agencies involved.

“Today (Wednesday) was a great day for the community and citizens of Bertie County,’ Ruffin remarked. “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts between each agency within the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Our partnership has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and addressing the challenges our communities face. The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force have been invaluable, allowing us to share resources, knowledge, and expertise effectively. Together, we have made significant strides in the reduction in violent crimes and the distribution of illegal narcotics.

“A special thanks to Chief Garrett, Sheriff Hayes, Sheriff Smith, and the State Bureau of Investigations for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared mission,” Ruffin added.