A Weldon couple described as boyfriend and girlfriend were arrested and charged today on fentanyl trafficking counts, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Captain A.M. Harris confirmed this evening that William Tecumpsah Hamlin, 73, and Ruby Lee Boone, 39, were a couple and have reputedly been selling the opiate for between four to five months before today’s arrest in which 451 grams of fentanyl was seized.

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The first complaint received on the couple was from the Weldon Police Department, which assisted in today’s execution of a search warrant for their residence in the 900 block of Sycamore Street.

Harris said the search warrant was executed shortly after noon by the narcotics division and the criminal investigation division of the sheriff's office.

Agent B.J. Murphy had been investigating the couple for the past several months after receiving information from the police department and other sources that drug activity was taking place at the residence.

At the residence, agents located and seized approximately 451 grams of fentanyl along with several items of drug paraphernalia.

Murphy arrested and charged Hamlin and Boone with trafficking opium, possession with intent to sell/deliver schedule I controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The couple received $20,000 bonds and March 16 court dates.

Murphy will continue to follow up on activity at this residence. The street value of the fentanyl seized is approximately $45,000.

Citizens are encouraged to report possible drug activity by calling the sheriff’s office narcotics division at 252-535-1257, Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444 or by downloading the P3 Tips app.