CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) – Two East Carolina men are behind bars after 124 pounds of marijuana were seized at a Stella-area property, deputies said.

The Carteret County Sheriff’s office said the investigation began on Oct. 8 when deputies patrolling the area saw marijuana plants growing on the property and seized 74 pounds of marijuana.

Walter Wetherington, 72, and Justin Wetherington, 43, were charged with growing marijuana on property on Wetherington Landing Road. Deputies say they also found stolen items on the property.

On Oct. 30, deputies say they went to Justin Wetherington’s home to serve an arrest warrant on drug charges. Deputies said when they were invited inside, they found a large amount of marijuana plants stored inside.

As a result, 50.9 kilos of marijuana and a small amount of heroin were seized during the search of the house. Also located was a John Deere tractor reported stolen in Jones County.

Deputies said a total of 124.9 kilos of marijuana were seized.

Justin Wetherington was given a $30,000 secured bond. He was charged with:

• Marijuana smuggling (3 counts)
• Conspiracy against marijuana traffic
• Heroin possession crime
• Crime of possession of stolen goods/property

Walter Wetherington was also given a $30,000 secured bond. He was charged with:

• marijuana trade
• Conspiracy against marijuana traffic

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