News-Topic Staff

Area law enforcement officers busted a scheduled drug delivery at the Granite Falls Walmart Monday that resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of several pounds of marijuana.

Members of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office ICE Unit, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Lenoir Police Department received notification that four pounds of marijuana would be coming from Hickory. When the suspects began the exchange, agents approached the men and took them into custody, reports show.

Jason Vance Ledford, 29, of 912 10th St. Blvd. NW, Hickory, was charged with four felony drug charges, including possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, conspiracy to deliver marijuana, delivering marijuana and maintaining a vehicle to keep or store marijuana. He was placed in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $20,000 secured bond.

Gregory Scott Watkins, 24, of 5718 Poovey Dr., Granite Falls, is being held on $20,000 secured bond. He is facing charges of felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony conspiracy to sell marijuana and felony conspiracy to deliver marijuana.

In addition, 22-year-old Alex Deal Mclean, of 5178 Poovey Dr., Granite Falls, is being held on $10,000 secured bond for one count felony conspiracy to sell marijuana and felony conspiracy to deliver marijuana.

Officers seized more than five pounds of marijuana, worth approximately $15,000 according to North Carolina State guidelines, $1,320 in cash and a 1996 Dodge tow truck, reports show

"The operation was a huge success, and three drug dealers are out of business," said Caldwell Sheriff Alan Jones. "I am very pleased with the results and the working partnership our drug unit has with these agencies."

Anyone with information about the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances should call the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office ICE Unit at (828) 757-1178, the Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Division at (828) 758-2145 or Caldwell County Crimestoppers at (828) 758-8300.