AULANDER – A large amount of marijuana was discovered here Wednesday following a search of an Aulander residence.

The Narcotics Division of the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office was joined by the Aulander and Windsor police departments in searching the residence of Alton Larchon Whitaker, 30, of 405 Chestnut Street.

Following the discovery of over two ounces of marijuana plus a quantity of crack cocaine, Whitaker was arrested on three felonies n two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana and one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine.

Whitaker was taken to the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $150,000 secured bond.

This arrest came after BCSO Narcotics Division detectives Frank Timberlake and Kenny Gilliam were working areas in Bertie County from where they had received complaints for the sell of marijuana.

One of these areas was 405 Chestnut Street in Aulander.

The two detectives were joined in the search by BCSO deputies Eddie Hoggard, Brian Knowles, Kenny Cobb and Sgt. Charlie Harmon along with Aulander Police Chief Jimmy Barmer and Ricky Morris of the Windsor Police Department.

Also joining in were Bertie County’s pair of specialty K-9’s n “Dakota” (handled by Sgt. Harmon) and “Buddy” (handled by Frank Massey).

The K-9’s quickly located a large amount of marijuana stashed outside of the residence and located a small amount of pot inside Whitaker’s home.

“Once again, the two K-9’s were able to quickly and accurately locate the illegal drugs,” Bertie Sheriff Greg Atkins said. “They have been a great addition to our ongoing battle to slow down the sell of illegal drugs in our county. Between the information we receive from concerned citizens, the expertise of our officers and the dogs trained to locate this contraband, we are making a big impact on drug trafficking here in Bertie County.”

The search also revealed a quantity of crack cocaine, found by Deputy Knowles in a plastic bag in Whitaker’s pants pocket.

Approximately $500 in U.S. currency was also found in Whitaker’s possession.

According to Detective Timberlake, Whitaker has several prior drug arrests and convictions.

“Apparently, he continues to sell marijuana and cocaine,” Timberlake noted. “If he decides to continue to deal in illegal drugs, we will continue in our efforts to stop him.”

Echoing the comments of Sheriff Atkins, Timberlake said he was also appreciative of the two K-9’s and their handlers.

“Again they proved their worth,” Timberlake said.

“The hours of training that goes into these dogs is often overlooked. It takes a dedicated officer to put in these hours and for that we thank them.”

The information gained from law-abiding citizens also went a long way into making this arrest.

“Thanks again to the citizens who have called and complained about this location,” Timberlake said. “Without your continued support, arrests like this would not have been possible.”

Chief Barmer said he was appreciative of the way the other law enforcement agencies in the county joined together in an effort to take these drugs off the street.

“It’s a team effort,” Barmer noted. “We are a small county, with even smaller towns. By joining together, we can go a long way in fighting this battle against illegal drugs. It’s a battle some say we can’t win, but we don’t see it that way. We asked for the public’s continued support and tips in helping us track down those drug dealers who think they can use our county and our towns for their personal playground.”