An undercover investigation into one alleged drug dealer led authorities to a second suspect Jan. 31.
Willie Albert Batten, 60, of Country Club Rd., Whiteville, was held under $25,000 secured bond on two counts of sale and delivery of opiates, and possession with intent to manufacture opiates, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
Markus Eugene Thompson, 61, of Thompson Town Rd., Whiteville, was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon; two counts of possession of a stolen firearm; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; possession with intent to sell heroin and cocaine; trafficking in heroin and methamphetamine, and maintaining a dwelling for drug activities. His bond was set at $1.095 million. He was previously convicted of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine in 2001.
Vice Narcotics investigators made a controlled buy from Batten, according to the release. He was arrested, and investigators developed information about Thompson.
After obtaining a search warrant, agents raided Thompson’s home, where they found right long guns, a digital scale, crystal meth, heroin, marijuana, cocaine and opiates. Two of the firearms had been reported stolen, according to the sheriff’s office.
