An undercover investigation has led to the arrest of a North Carolina man. The 34-year-old is accused of transporting large amounts of crack cocaine and heroin into various counties throughout the Piedmont area. He faces 35 drug charges in all, many which include heroin trafficking. He is in jail on a $3 million bond.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies — including the Salisbury Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms — had been investigating the man for two months after it came to their attention that he had been allegedly distributing drugs in the area for five years. A detective went undercover and reportedly purchased drugs from the man on seven different occasions. The amounts of heroin ranged from 5 to 20 grams at a time.
On June 25, authorities searched the man’s home in Charlotte and arrested him. Police allegedly found many drug-related items as well as cash totaling $5,000. The man has a history of felony drug offenses that dates back to 1999.
Drug trafficking is a serious crime that can result in harsh punishment. It is a felony that can result in jail time, fines and other serious consequences. Drug charges can also cause a person to lose his or her job or right to own firearms.
Even though being accused of a felony is a serious matter, those in this situation have rights. There must be enough evidence to prove the person guilty, and the police must have followed proper protocol in executing search warrants. A strong defense will be needed to reduce charges. In cases where a person is convicted and has a prior criminal history, a plea bargain may not help the person avoid jail altogether, but it may lessen the punishment.
Source: Salisbury Post, “Man under $3 million bond for drug charges,” June 26, 2014.