Three Nabbed in Marijuana Bust

On October 19, 2009, undercover agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office Ice Unit, North Carolina Bureau of Investigation, and Lenoir Police Department conducted a joint undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of three individuals for felony drug charges. A Hickory man, Jason Vance Ledford, and two individuals from the Granite Falls area, Gregory Scott "Scottie" Watkins and Alex Dale Mclean were all three taken into custody.

The bust took place in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in Granite Falls. After conducting intense electronic and physical surveillance on Watkins and Mclean, agents learned that a drug source would be coming from Hickory to meet with them and deliver several pounds of marijuana. When the suspects met and began the exchange, the agents approached and took them into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation, approximately 4 1/2 pounds of marijuana, $1,320.00 of United States currency and a 1996 Dodge tow truck were seized by agents. The marijuana has a street value of over $15,000.00 according to North Carolina state guidelines.

"The operation was a huge success and three drug dealers are out of business. I am very pleased with the results and the working partnership our drug unit has with these agencies." - Sheriff Alan C. Jones

The following persons were arrested and charged with the listed crimes:

Gregory Scott Watkins W / M, DOB 05/16/1985 5718 Poovey Drive Granite Falls, NC 28630 One (1) Count - Felonious Possession with Intent to Sell / Deliver Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Conspiracy to Sell Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana Watkins was incarcerated under a $20,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center

Alex Dale Mclean W/M, DOB 04/17/1987 5178 Poovey Drive Granite Falls, NC 28630   One (1) Count - Felonious Conspiracy to Sell Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana Mclean was incarcerated under a $10,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center.

Jason Vance Ledford W/M, DOB 11/26/1979 912 10th Street Blvd NW Hickory, NC 28601 One (1) Count - Felonious Possession with Intent to Sell / Deliver Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Deliver Marijuana One (1) Count - Felonious Maintain a Vehicle to Keep / Store Marijuana Ledford was incarcerated under a $20,000 secured bond in the Caldwell County Detention Center

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

Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.

This site was last updated 10/21/09