Jones confined under $1 million bond

There are less drugs on Rankin Street in Colerain today than there were on Oct. 3.

That was the day an extensive investigation into illegal narcotic distribution in Colerain proved successful.

The Down East Drug and Violent Crime Task Force (DEDVCTF), Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) executed a search warrant at the Rankin Street residence. Adrian 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 and 631 grams of cocaine. There was also $11,865 confiscated at the residence along with a semi-automatic pistol.

Jones was confined to the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver marijuana, trafficking cocaine and two charges for maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for a controlled substance. Each are class F felonies. Jones is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

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

Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin praised the operation.

“Today was a great day for the community and citizens of Bertie County. 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,” said Sheriff Ruffin. “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,” he added. “Together, we have made significant strides in the reduction in violent crimes and the distribution of illegal narcotics”

Ahoskie Police Chief Michele Garrett agreed.

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

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes pointed out area law enforcement’’s commitment to protecting the communities.

“This joint operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities from the harmful impacts from drug trafficking and violent crime,” he said. “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 agreed with Hayes.

“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,” said Smith.