The arrests of the four men were the result of investigation by the City County Drug Task Force, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said.

Tripp declined comment on how long the men had been under investigation or their rank in the local drug trade.

He said the task force used an undercover agent to arrest the men in the separate operations.

Tripp said Percy Martin, 26, of Halifax, agreed to meet the agent shortly before 12:30 p.m. at the Family Fare in Weldon to sell crack cocaine.

Martin and two others from Halifax arrived and sold the agent two $20 rocks. Agents arrested Martin, Alexander Hughes, 23, and Thomas Wayne Martin, 24.

Hughes was charged with conspire to sell and deliver cocaine and was given a $2,000 secured bond. Thomas Wayne Martin was charged with conspire to sell and deliver cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, which consisted of two packs of White Owl cigars, and possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana.

The paraphernalia and two individually wrapped bags of marijuana were found during the search. Thomas Martin was given a $15,000 secured bond.

Percy Lee Martin was charged with sell cocaine, deliver cocaine and possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine. He was given a $5,000 secured bond and was also served with an outstanding order for arrest for probation violation which had a $500 secured bond attached.

They are being held in the Halifax County Detention Center with an April 22 court date.

Roanoke Rapids arrest

Shortly before 3:15 p.m., the undercover agent made contact with Corey Jones, 32, of Roanoke Rapids.

Jones agreed to meet the agent at the parking lot of Food Lion on Roanoke Avenue.

After the purchase of marijuana was made, task force agents moved in to make the arrest and Jones ran from agents. He was arrested at the entrance of Food Lion after a taser was deployed.

Jones was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, sell marijuana, deliver marijuana and resisting a public officer.

Jones was confined to the Halifax County Detention Center with a $7,500 secured bond and an April 9 court date.

Agents of the City County Drug Task Force will continue to follow up on drug complaints in the community, Tripp said.

Citizens are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 252 583-4444 to report any drug activity.