Two Michigan men were scheduled for a first district court appearance today after being charged Friday with trafficking more than 54 pounds of marijuana.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Bobby Martin said the stop by narcotics investigators C. Batchelor and M. Worrell was part of an ongoing investigation. He declined to say how long the department has been investigating the activities of Brandon Williams of Detroit and Mohamed Jaber of Dearborn.

Martin said while he feels that the marijuana was destined for the Roanoke Valley, he could not immediately confirm that is the case.

In the gallery from left: Jaber, Worrell and Batchelor with the pot, and Williams

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The stop of the rental vehicle by Batchelor and Worrell occurred in the 300 block of Roanoke Avenue around 4 p.m. 

They located black duffle bags in the rear that contained vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. The total weight was 24,664 grams, which equates to just over 54 pounds.

Martin declined to comment on whether other agencies have been involved or will be involved in past or future investigations and whether there will be more charges filed and more people arrested in the case.

Both Williams and Jaber, as of this report, remained confined at the Halifax County Detention Center under $100,000 secured bonds.

Both men face two counts of trafficking marijuana, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana and maintaining a vehicle for the sale of narcotics.  

An updated court date has not yet been posted to the state calendar.