A drug complaint has led to the arrest of a 44-year-old Bethany man who now faces two felonies and one misdemeanor.
Nicky Robert Martin, 6628 Lana Drive, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a precursor and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to sheriff’s officials, agents with the county’s Special Investigation Division were following up on a drug tip at 927 Pumpkin Town Road when the suspect is alleged to have fled the scene on foot.
Following a brief chase, agents apprehended Martin and seized a gram of meth and some syringes, both in his possession at the time he was caught by authorities.
The suspect was taken to the Sampson County Detention Center where he was placed under a $23,000 bond.
This is not Martin’s first run-in with law enforcement. According to the N.C. Department of Corrections, he has been convicted on myriad drug charges, including 3 felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a precursors with intent to manufacture and maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance.
As he often does, Sheriff Jimmy Thornton praised those who took an active role in leveling a drug complaint in their community, one that led to an arrest, and he urged other residents to get involved as well.
“Part of reason we’ve been so successful in making arrests is because of people who have called us about suspicious activity, drug activity,” Thorton said. “They are our eyes and ears; we always need there help, not just with drug tips but with any tip that might help us stop a crime.”
The sheriff said while he understood the reasons why people often prefer not to get involved, that one piece of information someone might have could lead to an arrest or could prevent more crimes from taking place.
“We appreciate those who are willing to call us and give us those tips. It does make a difference.”
And the sheriff also heaped praise on his officers, noting their continued diligence in pursuing those they believe to be involved in drug activity.
“When people call us, those officers are immediately given that information and they aggressively check things out. Sometimes it takes a little while, other times it’s quick. That’s just the nature of the business. But our aim is to always go after those who are using and selling drugs. We can’t ever quit and we won’t,” Thorton attested.
But he was quick to point out that it is tough to make a dent in the drug trade. “People say that for every person you arrest for drugs, there’s three more waiting in the wings to take that place. I believe that’s probably very true. Look, we have a lot of arrests, but it seems like it never ends.”
Thornton said while there seem to be fewer meth labs in the county right now, there doesn’t seem to be a lack of meth users.
“Unfortunately it’s the drug of choice. It’s very addictive and hard to shake. That’s the danger with anyone getting involved in that culture; it totally destroys lives, families, everyone around them. It’s just horrible and I wish people would think before they use it,” the sheriff said.
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