WPD: Residents report break-in; cops find drugs in house

WILMINGTON, NC (WPD NEWS RELEASE) – WPD officers responded late Sunday night to a reported home invasion. As it turned out, the victims’ home contained a large assortment of illegal drugs.

The incident began when residents of 227 Wallace Avenue reported that two men rang their door bell and then forced their way inside the house. The victims said there was an altercation inside the house, and the intruders fled.

WPD officers established a perimeter in the area. A K-9 team attempted a track, but they were unsuccessful. After the track was terminated, officers continued to canvass the neighborhood seeking witnesses. Officers also returned to the victims’ residence to gather additional information about the home invasion.

The residents (“victims”) initially were reluctant to let officers into the house, but eventually they gave consent. As soon as officers entered, they noticed an overpowering odor of marijuana. When confronted, the residents refused to provide any additional information. A narcotics investigator responded to assist, and officers obtained a search warrant for the house.

During the search of the house, officers discovered a significant quantity of illegal narcotics. They also confiscated drug paraphernalia and cash. The illegal substances seized were:

Marijuana – 10 ounces of a high-quality substance (uncut, no stems and twigs)
Hashish – 5.5 grams
Cocaine powder – 2.5 grams
Psilocybin (mushrooms) – 5 dosage units
LSD – 17 dosage units
Ecstasy (pure powder MDMA), also known as “Molly” – 26.5 grams

All of the illegal substances and paraphernalia were found in the room occupied by Jason Alan Atkins, d.o.b. 11-21-1989. Atkins was arrested and charged as follows:

Possession with intent to sell / deliver Schedule VI
Possession of Schedule VI
Maintain a dwelling for drugs
Possession of cocaine
Possession with intent to sell / deliver Schedule I
Trafficking drugs
Possession of drug paraphernalia

Atkins is being held at the New Hanover County detention facility under $75,000 secure bond.

The home invasion and robbery originally reported by the residents of 227 Wallace Avenue remains under investigation.