Two Henderson Men Charged After Largest Seizure Of Crack Cocaine In Area

Darnell Turner, 47, and 43-year-old Chester Edgerton, both from Henderson, face charges after one of the largest drug raids in the area's history.

Investigators seized a large amount of drugs, money and guns from the men's house on Southerland Street.

The house had been the source of numerous complaints that started a lengthy police investigation. The complaints alleged that drug deals were occurring through a fence on the property.

The investigation revealed that the residence was fortified with metal fencing and razor wire, and the fencing was covered in areas to conceal activities on the property.

When a search warrant was executed Tuesday, officers were able to penetrate the fortification and quickly gained access to the property.

According to investigators, more than 508 grams of crack cocaine, one ounce of marijuana and a semi-automatic handgun were tossed from the house in an attempt to hide the evidence. Officers witnessed the attempt and were able to immediately recover all of the illegal substances and the weapon.

The 508 grams of crack cocaine was broken down in various weights, but most was packaged for one- to three-gram purchases.

A further search of the property revealed 5.5 grams of crack cocaine in a bedroom of the residence and a large sum of U.S. currency.

The crack cocaine would have had an estimated street value of more than $50,000 once broken down and sold by local dealers. The seizure was significant because the investigation indicated that the drugs were intended for sale and distribution in the Henderson community.

In addition to the illegal drugs, handgun and cash, officers seized a 1997 Chevy Tahoe, a 1988 Cadillac, a large loader-backhoe combination and a Farmall tractor. Additionally, five large dogs -- four Pit Bulls and a Rottweiller -- that were being kept in violation of city ordinance were impounded by Animal Control.

Edgerton and Turner each face the following charges:

Felony trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, manufacturing cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, simple Possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were taken before the magistrate, and both were given a $125,000 bond. Neither subject immediately made bond, and they were both taken to the Vance County Jail.