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Cops: Drugs, scales and cash recovered during raid in Riverhead

Six people were arrested on drug charges in Riverhead following an East End Drug Task Force investigation Tuesday, according to a Riverhead police press release.

Authorities executed a search warrant at 26 Melene Ave. and found crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, drug scales and cash, officials said.

Charles Gamble, 35, of Flanders and Kotarra Jackson, 35, of Riverhead were charged with two counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell; two counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance of a narcotic drug; second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia (scales); and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, the report states.

Ms. Jackson was also charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana, police said.

James Clayton, 37, of Moriches was charged with two counts third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell; fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance; and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

Madison Murrell, 35, of Middle Island was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance of a narcotic drug, officials said.

William Brown, 30, of Shirley was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and also arrested on an outstanding parole warrant, police said.

Ryan Evan, 26, of Riverside was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, officials said.

Mr. Brown, Mr. Gamble, Ms. Jackson and Mr. Murrell are currently on parole for drug or weapons related charges, police said.

In November, Mr. Gamble was shot near the intersection of East Main Street and Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead. His twin brother, John Gamble, was later arrested for an alleged shooting outside Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where he was recovering.

Mr. Brown, Ms. Jackson and Mr. Murrell were arrested following a drug bust on Nov. 5, 2014 at a home on Lewis Street in Riverhead. Mr. Brown pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance. Ms. Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree conspiracy. Mr. Murrell pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Mr. Brown, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Gamble, Ms. Jackson and Mr. Murrell were held for an arraignment at Riverhead Town Justice Court, police said. Mr. Evans was released on a desk appearance ticket, officials said.

No other details about the investigation were immediately available.

The East End Drug Task Force is made up of police departments from across the East End and funded through the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Photos: From left (top), William Brown and James Clayton; (bottom) Charles Gamble, Kotarra Jackson and Madison Murrell. (Credit: Riverhead Town Police Department)