A prison interdiction at Caledonia in Tillery today yielded no contraband but one on January 20 resulted in the confiscation of 200 cigarettes from a correctional officer, according to the City County Drug Task Force.

Thompson and the cigarettes.

The officer, Rontavis Sharez Thompson, 25, of Kelford, resigned that day, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety said this morning.

Captain A.M. Harris of the task force said in a statement the agency regularly helps the prison interdiction team, made up of officers from prisons across the state, to reduce the flow of drugs and contraband.

In the January operation Thompson was found to have 200 cigarettes stuffed in his socks — 100 wrapped cigarettes in each.

He has a March 23 court date to answer to a charge of attempting to furnish tobacco products to an inmate.

Harris said this morning it was not clear what prompted Thompson to allegedly smuggle the cigarettes into the prison other than the value of one cigarette on the inside is $10 per. “The prison value is (for the 200) is $2,000.”

Roanoke Rapids arrest

On Tuesday, task force agents D. Hundley and C. Dixon responded to a complaint of drug activity on Maple Street.

Agents could reportedly smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the residence, Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

During a search of the residence agents found four Oxycodone pills, baggies of marijuana, baggies of cocaine and drug paraphernalia which consisted of a digital scale and pipe.

Dixon arrested and charged James Richard Banks Jr., 33, with possession of schedule II; possession with intent to sell or deliver schedule II; possession with intent to sale or deliver schedule VI; possession of schedule VI; maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance; possession of schedule II and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Banks received a $7,500 bond with a February 24 court date.

Agent D.R. Radford assisted.