FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Mooresville man faces a drug trafficking charge following an investigation by the Mooresville Police Department.

After receiving complaints about possible drug sales this spring, narcotics officers began an investigation into a resident of JC Circle, according to an MPD news release.

On May 18, MPD detectives searched the apartment of Markeith Kane Phifer, 25, and found two firearms, 54 Alprazolam and 37 Oxycodone pills, and 50 grams of marijuana, police said.

Detectives also seized more than $1,500 in cash. Unknown narcotic pills that were also seized were sent to the state lab to be analyzed, according to the news release.

Phifer was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to sell or distribute a schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or distribute a schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or distribute a schedule VI controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Phifer received a $24,000 secured bond following his arrest.

After the laboratory analysis determined that the pills sent to the lab contained more than four grams of fentanyl, detectives obtained a warrant charging Phifer with trafficking heroin/opium, which was served on June 29.

Phifer was given a new secured bond of $250,000 for the latest charge.