More than 500 pounds of marijuana was seized in a Hiddenite business Wednesday following a month-long joint investigation between the Alexander and Iredell county sheriff’s departments.
Gary Richard Lackey, 64, of Hiddenite faces drug charges after narcotics agents found the marijuana at his business, Gary’s Refrigeration and Restaurant Company at 140 Old Mountain Road in Hiddenite.
An Iredell County vehicle stop in the fall precipitated the investigation.
“The drug investigation was initiated by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office around four or five weeks ago,” said Detective Chad Pennell of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office. “The sheriff of Iredell County contacted us to assist them in an investigation on Gary Lackey who lives within Alexander County.”
Narcotics officers approached Lackey at an undisclosed location Wednesday. Their continuing investigation led them to Lackey’s business. During the search that followed, officers found more than 500 pounds of marijuana in 16 bales with a street value of $400,000 to $600,000, Pennell said.
“The majority of which came from a camper trailer inside the business,” he said. “The drugs were packaged in bales wrapped in multiple layers of cellophane and aluminum foil and placed in cardboard boxes.”
Each bale weighs about 30 pounds.
“This may be the biggest marijuana seizure in Alexander County history,” said Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman.
Lackey was charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of a firearm by a felon. His bond was set at $100,000 secured.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests could follow, Pennell said.
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