AHOSKIE – Acting upon citizen complaints, members of the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and the Roanoke-Chowan Narcotics Task Force (RCNTF) arrested an Ahoskie man late Friday afternoon on drug and weapon charges.

Martin Louis Stephenson – who goes by the nickname, &uot;Nazi&uot; – was jailed under an $80,000 bond following a search of his vehicle, person and home. According to RCNTF Commander Frank Timberlake, information from citizens led to surveillance on Stephenson’s residence, located just west of Ahoskie on NC 42. The surveillance led lawmen to obtain a search warrant, which was served at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

Stephenson was in the process of leaving his residence at the time the officers were arriving. HCSO Deputy Neil Ambrose executed a traffic stop on Stephenson at a convenience store near Ahoskie, where the suspect and his vehicle were searched. At that time, officers discovered a concealed .45 caliber handgun. Timberlake reported that Stephenson did not have a permit to carry a handgun.

Stephenson was transported back to his residence at which time a search ensued of the premises. Law enforcement officers discovered approximately four ounces of marijuana – which Timberlake described as, &uot;broken down and packaged for sale.&uot; Also found were numerous drug paraphernalia items – scales, packaging material and smoking pipes – as well as another small caliber handgun and $2,500 in cash.

Stephenson was charged with possession with intent to sale and deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling to store and sale a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a concealed weapon.

&uot;This arrest was a result of citizen interaction with law enforcement,&uot; said Timberlake. &uot;Citizen input is extremely important and needed as we continue to actively work on drug trafficking here in the Roanoke-Chowan area. I feel that together, we can make Hertford County and all areas here in our area a safer place to live.&uot;

Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan also praised the stance local citizens are taking against drugs.

&uot;I hope our citizens will remain involved in our efforts to slow down the sale of illegal drugs here in Hertford County,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s evident by their response that they want to help us send the message that the sale and use of narcotics in Hertford County will not be tolerated.&uot;