Local News

Raid of Sanford Home Nets $300K in Drugs

An arrest at a Raleigh concert resulted in the seizure of about $300,000 in illegal drugs.

Posted Updated

SANFORD, N.C. — An arrest at a Raleigh concert resulted in the seizure of about $300,000 in illegal drugs.

Wake County ABC enforcement officers said they caught Brian Mills trying to sneak a sizable amount of marijuana into the concert in Raleigh Friday night. Authorities said they suspected he planned to sell it and that he could be growing the drugs.

After they contacted the Lee County Sheriff Office, deputies searched the Mills’ Sanford home. Authorities said an overpowering smell of marijuana hit them as soon as they walked into the residence.

“(We found) what we believe is a major indoor marijuana operation,” said Lee County Sheriff Tracey Carter.

Deputies confiscated nearly 80 five-foot tall plants from an upstairs bedroom. They also found bags and jars filled with marijuana ready for sale.

“Water system, lighting, the whole nine yards,” Carter said.

Carter said the indoor water system produces a higher grade of marijuana. Authorities dismantled and confiscated a large PVC pipe system, timers and exhaust fans.

Mills has been charged with possessing, manufacturing and trafficking marijuana. He also faces charges for other drugs and paraphernalia found in his home. He is being held on a $150,000 bond.

Carter said the raid was part of a larger drug crackdown in Lee County. He said his deputies have confiscated 160 pounds of marijuana valued at more than $500,000 in just the last 60 days.

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.