A Roanoke Rapids man was charged by the City County Drug Task Force today on counts related to possession of Molly and other drugs.

Captain A.M. Harris of the task force said agents have been investigating Robert Earl Alston for several months.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said task force agents went to Alston's residence on Thirteenth Street shortly before 9:30 this morning.

Agent C. Dixon had been investigating the residence due to the citizen complaints and heavy traffic to and from the area.

During the search of the residence, which was aided by task force Lieutenant H.G. Phillips and his dog, Josh, agents seized two dosage units of Molly. Marijuana, two Alprazolam pills and one Oxycodone pill were seized as well.

The agents also seized paraphernalia that included a cigar; digital scale; glass jar; a box of plastic bags and a .22-caliber handgun.

Dixon charged Alston with maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance; possess less than one-half ounce of marijuana; simple possession of schedule III; possession of drug paraphernalia; felony possession of schedule I; simple possession of schedule II and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He received a $25,000 bond and June 17 court date.

In a statement Hasty described Molly as a powder or crystal form of MDMA, which is the chemical used in ecstasy.

“Molly is a stimulant drug and can cause serious health risks.” he said. “Molly can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug craving. The molly seized today was crystal form.”

Harris said agents are receiving intelligence on Molly being used in Roanoke Rapids, Enfield, Scotland Neck and Hollister. “It's about the same price as crack. If you take it you can stay up five days.”

Hasty said Roanoke Valley residents are encouraged to call the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office or Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252 583-4444 to report any drug activity in their community.