COLERAIN – Two individuals are behind bars and another is being sought in connection with the alleged sell of illegal narcotics in the Longbranch area of Colerain.

Following an investigation by the Narcotics/Gang Unit of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, two arrests were made on April 11. Charged were:

Annie Perry Watford, 45, of Colerain – two counts of   possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II narcotics; felony possession of Schedule II narcotics; maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance; and conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule II narcotics. Her bond was set at $150,000 cash.

Lloyd Swain Jr., 58, of Colerain – possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II narcotics; and conspiracy to sell/deliver Schedule II narcotics. He was jailed under a $75,000 cash bond.

A third suspect, 23-year-old Khirye Deshawn Jones, is sought by the Bertie Sheriff’s Office. Warrants have been drawn for his arrest on the charges of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule II narcotics. Anyone with information on Jones’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Bertie Sheriff’s Office at 252-794-5330.

According to Bertie Sheriff John Holley, this investigation began last year and was initially based on complaints and tips from citizens in the surrounding area.

“We always appreciate the cooperation of our citizens who, like us, want to see their neighborhoods free of the criminal element normally associated with the use and sale of illegal drugs,” Holley said. “We will continue our efforts to investigate these tips from our citizens and arrest those dealing in drugs.”