AULANDER – New Aulander Police Chief Mike Patterson chose a unique way to say hello.

Soon after accepting his current post, Patterson put together Operation “Let Me Introduce Myself,” an undercover operation to combat the drug trade in the town of Aulander.

That operation came to fruition early Thursday morning when Patterson led a delegation of more than 20 officers as they arrested five of six suspects wanted in connection with the sale of drugs.

“We were receiving numerous drug complaints,” the chief said. “I felt like we wanted to begin work on those immediately.”

On Thursday, officers with the Aulander Police Department, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Windsor Police Department, Ahoskie Police Department and the Department of Community Corrections split up into groups and headed out to pick up the suspects.

“Remember safety first,” Patterson told the group. “I thank all of you for coming to help. I just want you to remember to be safe first and foremost.”

With that, the group went out seeking six suspects wanted on drug-related charges. Five of those were apprehended.

The largest bond was placed on Jessie Jerome Futrell Jr., 25 of Chestnut Street in Aulander. He was placed under a $200,000 cash bond charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, two counts of sale of cocaine and two counts of delivering marijuana. He was also charged with one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, sale of marijuana and delivery of marijuana.

Also arrested was Brandon Smith, 22, of Elm Street in Aulander who was charged with one count each of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, sale of cocaine, delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, sale of marijuana and delivery of marijuana.

Smith was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $50,000 cash bond.

Also in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail is Curtis Tyron Gatling, 28, of West Main Street in Aulander. He was charged with one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, sale of marijuana and delivery of marijuana.

Gatling was placed under a $20,000 cash bond.

Vincent Cade, 17, of Bell Street in Aulander was arrested and charged with one count each of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, sale of cocaine and delivery of cocaine. He was placed in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $30,000 cash bond.

The fifth subject arrested in the operation was Gregory Harrell, 29, of West Main Street in Aulander. He was charged with one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, sale of marijuana and delivery of marijuana. Harrell is in the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail under a $30,000 cash bond.

Chief Patterson and his officers are seeking one additional suspect in the case. He said he believes that arrest will be made soon.

“I think it was very successful,” Patterson said. “All these drug buys were made in the incorporated town limits of Aulander.”

Patterson expressed his appreciation to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Windsor Police Department, Ahoskie Police Department, Department of Community Corrections and the other officers of the Aulander PD.

“We’re going to continue to combat drugs in Aulander,” Patterson said. “This is one of the ways we are working to keep drugs off our streets.”