A multi-jurisdictional raid Wednesday night led to a trafficking arrest and the seizure of more than 1,500 packets of heroin in Scotland Neck.
Antonia Blanding, of 209 West 12th Street, faces charges of level three trafficking of heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, maintaining a dwelling to sell and conceal a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle to transport, store and conceal a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Scotland Neck Police Chief Joe Williams said if convicted in the state court, Blanding could face up to 25 years in prison. He said, however, the task force will seek federal indictments.
The arrest occurred in an old neighborhood of Scotland Neck in a quiet section of town.
It was the result of a long investigation by state Alcohol Law Enforcement and the police departments of Scotland Neck, Enfield and Tarboro, which form a Tri-City Taskforce.
The arrest yielded $38,000 worth of heroin, $1,225 in cash, a 2006 Dodge Magnum, an Uzi styled 9mm gun with two clips holding 30 rounds each, Williams said.
Thirty bricks of heroin containing 50 bags each were seized.
Heroin is slowly becoming a problem in the Scotland Neck area, Williams said. Blanding's cousin was convicted last month following a raid in which 75 bindles of heroin were seized.
People from Roanoke Rapids, Tarboro, Rocky Mount and other areas have been coming to Scotland Neck to buy heroin, Williams said. "It has longer lasting effects and a lower cost."
Since the increase the police department has received a few overdose calls and increased calls of intoxicated individuals, some walking in the middle of the street.
The increase has the potential to push crack dealers out of sight, Williams said. "With more and more coming and the sheer economics, it could push it down lower on the totem pole."
The arrest Wednesday night, however, Williams said, "Dealt a major blow to it."
Thirty bricks were located in the house and another 14 bags were located in a hidden compartment of the car that was seized.
He is being held under $1 million bond.
