Eight people have been arrested and two others are wanted after investigators uncovered an alleged plot to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the Halifax County Detention Center, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said agents with the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force learned that inmates inside the jail were working with people outside the facility to bring contraband into the detention center.

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Investigators say the plan involved having a person conceal drugs and other prohibited items on or inside their body before intentionally turning themselves in on an outstanding warrant, allowing the contraband to enter the jail.

According to the sheriff’s office, 31-year-old Andrew Franz of Roanoke Rapids allegedly carried out the plan by surrendering to Roanoke Rapids police on July 14 on an injury to personal property charge.

Agents met Franz at the detention center, obtained a search warrant and took him to ECU Health North, where investigators said multiple packages of contraband were removed. Authorities said the items included marijuana, Suboxone, amphetamines and drug paraphernalia.

Franz was later booked into the Halifax County Detention Center on multiple charges, including felony conspiracy, conspiracy to deliver controlled substances, possession of controlled substances inside jail premises and several drug possession and trafficking-related offenses. He is being held on a $32,500 secured bond.

Investigators identified at least 10 people they say were involved in the alleged conspiracy. In addition to Franz, the sheriff’s office said the following people have been arrested:

  • Ryan Paul Medlin, 29, of Roanoke Rapids
    • James Isaac Hardin, 22, of Red Springs
      • Travis Robinson, 39, of Roanoke Rapids
        • Christopher Ian Hardin, 21, of Red Springs
          • Casey Cooper, 29, of Roanoke Rapids
            • Ryan Nathaniel Medlin, 32, of Roanoke Rapids
              • Heather Pierce, 32, of Roanoke Rapids

                According to the sheriff’s office, all eight face conspiracy-related charges, with some also charged with conspiring to deliver controlled substances. All are scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 5.

                Authorities are also searching for Regina Lilley, 45, of Roanoke Rapids, and Amanda Willis, 37, of Littleton, who are each wanted on felony conspiracy charges.

                The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.