Albemarle resident Earl Christopher Terry Jr. was arrested last week on a series of drug and firearm charges. Photo courtesy Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

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ALBEMARLE — In a joint law enforcement operation with the Norwood Police Department, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest following an extensive narcotics operation.

Albemarle resident Earl Christopher Terry Jr. was charged on June 4 with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl, indicating the alleged intent to distribute the seized fentanyl within the community.

Terry, 39, faces two counts of trafficking fentanyl and the additional charges of firearm possession by a felon, maintaining a dwelling for the sale of controlled substances, and money laundering; an estimated 85 grams of fentanyl and four firearms of varying types of assault rifles were seized during the arrest.

Following a search warrant in his name, Terry was taken into custody at his residence at Edgemont Street and transported to the Stanly County Jail, where he is currently being held under a secured bond set at $3.35 million.

“The investigation into this matter remains active, and further charges or arrests may be pending,” the SCSO said in a media release.

“The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office is committed to thoroughly investigating all aspects of this case and holding all responsible parties accountable. The successful execution of this operation represents a significant step in combating the opioid crisis and reducing the flow of illegal drugs within Stanly County. The Sheriff’s Office urges community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking or illegal firearms to law enforcement.”

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is advised to contact the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit at [email protected].

During the illegal drug trafficking bust, the large amount of fentanyl seized posed “a grave risk to the community due to its extreme potency and potential for causing overdoses,” according to the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement officials also executed a search warrant at a Danville Road residence in New London, revealing the full extent of the illegal operations.

Last week’s arrest isn’t Terry’s first brush with the law — he was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison in 2020, followed by three years of supervised release.

He pled guilty on Oct. 15, 2019, to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Terry also had a prior felony conviction in Stanly County for three counts of the felonious indecent liberties with a child.