Drug Agents apprehend marijuana distributor

HUDSON, NC (May 14, 2018)…Sheriff Alan C. Jones has announced on May 11, 2018, Narcotic Agents with the Lenoir Police Department, Sheriff’s Office Ice Unit, and the United States Postal Inspector Service apprehended James Douglas Chester, age 30, of 1024 Wheeling MHP Trailer #24 in Hudson with approximately 7 pounds of marijuana.  Chester became the focus of the investigation after Agents learned he had been directing marijuana packages mailed to another address from California. 

Agents managed to intercept Chester’s last package and obtained a search warrant to inspect it.  The contents were approximately 7 pounds of high grade marijuana.  Agents subsequently conducted a controlled delivery and when Chester arrived to obtain his package, he was taken into custody without incident.  A search warrant was further obtained for Chester’s residence at 1024 Wheeling MHP Trailer #24 in Hudson.  Agents searched the premise and found drug paraphernalia at the home.  Two other individuals have been identified as suspects in his operation and charges are likely.  The marijuana has a street value of $79,296 according to North Carolina State Drug Guidelines. 

Chester was charged with felony Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana and felony Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana.  He was incarcerated in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $150,000 secured bond on the charges and has a first appearance in District Court in Lenoir on May 14, 2018.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances.  A concerned citizen’s information and assistance will be kept confidential.  If you have any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, please contact the:

Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.

Lenoir Police Department’s Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.

Hudson Police Department at 828-728-5021.

Granite Falls Police Department at 828-396-3358.

Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.