AULANDER – A tip from local citizens led to the arrest of a Hertford County man on drug charges near here July 17.

According to Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan, a search warrant was executed at 221 Odom Road, Aulander, after HCSO Investigator Greg Harrison received information that a subject was growing marijuana at that residence. The Sheriff said the marijuana was visible from the road.

“Upon executing the search warrant, one marijuana plant, several marijuana smoking devices and five firearms were seized,” Vaughan said.

Robert Wayne Lassiter, 44, of the aforementioned address was arrested. He was charged with three felonies – one count each of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling to store a controlled substance – and two misdemeanors, one count each of simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Vaughan said the seized weapons were all legally registered, but were confiscated as part of the drug arrest.

Lassiter was placed in the Hertford County Detention Center under a $22,000 secured bond. He posted bond on July 18 and made his first appearance in Hertford County District Court one day later.

“I would like to thank the citizens for the information provided in this case and encourage them to continue to report to my office any type of activity they believe to be suspicious or illegal in nature,” Vaughan said. “I commend Greg Harrison for his work in this case as we continue our efforts to slow down illegal drug activity in our county.”