Bertie County Sheriff John Holley is crediting the public with the latest round of drug arrests in the county.

“We have gotten a lot of response from the community in our effort to get drug dealers off our streets,” Sheriff Holley said. “Since the newspaper printed my telephone number, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing and we appreciate that assistance.

“I would encourage people to continue to call and leave your information,” he added. “I don’t need your name, just your information.”

A call by one resident in Powellsville led to a pair of arrests on September 9.

“We received a tip from a resident about possible drug activity in Powellsville,” Sheriff Holley said.

Because of the tip, Sgt. Kenny Gillam and Deputy Chris Leggett reported to the area and stopped a vehicle in which they found 14 grams of marijuana.

Two men in the vehicle were arrested and charged in the incident.

McKinley Antonio Lassiter, 27, of Hayes Street in Ahoskie was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $15,000 secured bond.

Also charged in the incident was Kenshawn Lavelle Perry, 29, of Sally Freeman Road in Powellsville. Perry was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $30,000 secured bond under charges of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a place/vehicle to keep a controlled substance.

The next day, David Jernigan, 47, of Glover Street in Colerain was arrested as part of a traffic stop by Sgt. Gillam, Deputy Kenny Cobb and Det. Blake Mizelle.

Jernigan was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a place/vehicle to keep a controlled substance. Jernigan was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $30,000 secured bond.

He was found to be in possession of .02 grams of crack cocaine, according to the police report.

The final of the four arrests was Cadarye Pedro Lee, 31, of Wheel Street in Lewiston Woodville.

“We received calls from people in the area that had complaints of drug activity,” Sheriff Holley said. “We went down there to investigate and that led to this arrest.”

Lee was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine and a drug violation involving equipment/paraphernalia. He was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $50,000 cash bond.

Sheriff Holley said he wanted citizens to keep calling him with information. His direct line is 725-1681 or citizens can call the sheriff’s office at 794-5330.