Durham, NC (Thursday, March 25, 2021) -- Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead announces a search warrant executed yesterday has led to the arrest of four (4) individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into illegal drug trafficking across Durham County.

“We will continue cracking down on the criminal element wreaking havoc across Durham County,” said Sheriff Birkhead, "and it is important to point out that after yesterday's bust two different residents thanked the Sheriff’s Office for putting a stop to the illegal activity in the area. I want to applaud the good work of the newly created DCSO Strike Team,as well as the following DCSO Units: SAC/NARC, Criminal Investigation Division and our Emergency Response Team (SERT)."

According to investigators, members of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) “Strike Team” conducted the search warrant at a residence in the 2300 block of Ashe Street on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Following up on leads,the location was believed to be inhabited by individuals who are suspected of drug trafficking and multiple other crimes. As a direct result of the search warrant, the following individuals were arrested and now face the following charges:

Gary Burton, 60 of Durham: outstanding OFA for AWDW X2 and attempted larceny

Jousha Lashawn Frye. 42 of Durham: Maintain a Dwelling CS, Posses Drug Paraphernalia, PWIMSD SCH II (bond was $10,000 secured).Frye was found to be in possession of 6.3 grams of crack cocaine, 1.4 grams of marijuana, and $2299.09 in cash.Frye is being held on a $10,000 secured bond

Janavis Reshawn Perry. 29 of Durham: PWISD Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking Cocaine, PWISD Cocaine, PWIMSD SCH II. Perry has an extensive criminal history and is a registered sex offender. He found to be in possession of 63.73 grams of crack, 51.34 grams of marijuana, 10 oxycodone pills, 3.5 methadone pills, and $9,834 cash.Perry is in the Durham County detention center without the benefit of bond.

Saamuel Darrell Price, 52 of Durham:Possession of Schedule II Controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia andtwo (2) outstanding felony probation violations.Price is held on an $11,000 secured bond

The investigation into this incidentcontinues.