The Southern Pines Police Department says a man from Ramser was arrested on multiple drug charges Friday.
Officers were investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 1600 block of U.S. Highway 1, according to a news release from the police department.
“During this investigation Kevin Lamont Alston, 41, exited his vehicle and assaulted one of the investigating officers and then fled on foot,” said the news release.
As the police chased Alston, the suspect “threw to the ground a satchel just before being taken into custody.”
The news release said the bag contained heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, suboxone and drug paraphernalia.
Alston was arrested on 15 charges which include Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Heroin, Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Cocaine, Possession of Heroin, Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver a Schedule III Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Place for Controlled Substances, Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting/Delay/Obstruct an Officer and Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
“The opioid crisis is a public health emergency in our country, said Southern Pines Police Chief Bob Temme. “We all play a role in tackling the grip these drugs currently hold on our loved ones and communities. The State of North Carolina Judiciary can, and should, play a critical role in addressing the opioid epidemic. Swift and certain long term incarceration of those supplying opioids to vulnerable individuals in our community, struggling with addiction, may not always serve as a deterrent, it will however always save lives. I choose the latter for my community as my first priority.”
Since 1998, Alston has been convicted on multiple robbery, narcotics and resisting arrest charges.
The suspect is jailed under a $125,000 secured bond and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
