Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp today announced the formation of a joint drug task force made up of narcotics investigators from the sheriff's office and Roanoke Rapids and Weldon police departments.

Those from Weldon and Roanoke Rapids who have joined the City County Drug Task Force will be sworn in as deputies with the sheriff's office, Tripp said.

“Like the rest of America, Halifax County has been afflicted with drug-related issues,” Tripp said during a briefing at Roanoke Rapids City Hall. “Drugs in our community impact individuals, entire families, public safety and local economics. Heroin, cocaine and pills have taken a toll in our community.”

Tripp said he wants efforts in the county to be efficient and productive. “I wanted a task force that could join resources and be even more productive. We will be more effective throughout Halifax County.”

Both Roanoke Rapids and Weldon are committed to the effort, the sheriff said.

“This is a prime example of agencies working together,” Tripp said. “We are committed to making the task force successful. The officers will be sworn Halifax County deputies. Criminals don't have jurisdictional boundaries. So why should law enforcement?”

Weldon Chief Mark Macon, who will have one officer assigned to the task force and possibly another in the future, thanked government and elected officials for backing the unit “to help enhance the quality of life.”

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty said narcotics use is increasing. “We recognize the need for cooperation, draw on experience and shared resources.”

Hasty said the task force will work with multiple agencies on the state and federal level. “We could realize equitable shares from the proceeds of drug forfeitures and seizures.”

Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham said the town is excited to be a part of the task force while Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie said, of the drug problem, “It's just sad the widespread affects it has on many homes.”

Halifax County Manager Tony Brown said the county has long used the phrase working together works in its economic development efforts. “I think it's a positive thing we're doing. I think this is a good step in the process.”

Roanoke Rapids City Councilman Ernest Bobbitt said, “As a former chief, drugs weren't as bad. It's become an epidemic. I know the court dockets are full.”

Bobbitt said courts need to share in the responsibility by handing out more than plea bargains.

District Attorney Valerie Mitchell Asbell was pleased with the announcement. “It works,” she said. “I'm looking forward to it.”

Tripp said there will be a total of eight agents on the task force. Littleton and Scotland Neck are considering joining.

While all drugs will be targeted, one of the pressing matters is heroin, Tripp said. “It's bad. For $10 you can get a high that lasts for 12 hours. Heroin is everywhere.”

Hasty said heroin saw an upswing following the federal crackdown on prescription medication.

Formation of the task force makes economic sense when municipal budgets are tight, the law enforcement administrators said.

“We can pool resources and equipment,” Tripp said. “Roanoke Rapids has equipment we don't and we have equipment Roanoke Rapids doesn't have.”

The task force will knock out repetition on investigations of certain people, Hasty said.

“It helps to increase and enhance efficiency to work drugs,” Macon said. “It's a win-win for all the taxpayers.”