The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s Drug Unit seized 18 grams of heroin from a Washington residence, arresting Bruce Wiggins on multiple drug charges Thursday.

Wiggins, 49, had been under investigation for several months before investigators executed a search warrant at Wiggins’ residence, 137 Deerfield Mobile Home Park, according to a drug-unit spokesman.

“(Wiggins) turned out to have more of a substantial amount than we thought,” said the drug-unit officer. “It’s certainly a substantial amount for this area.”

K-9 Elza, the unit’s drug-detection canine, led investigators to the stash inside the home, locating the 18 grams of heroin in a glass jar, packaged in 15 wax-paper bindles. Investigators found other Drug paraphernalia: ink pads, stamp molds, wax-paper bindles and digital scales. The inkpads and stamps molds are used to mark the drug packaging, signifying the providence of the heroin.

The amount of heroin in Wiggins’ possession has an estimated $3,600 street value, and it is sold in small quantities to draw out the value, said the officer.

Wiggins’ criminal history ranges across eastern North Carolina and includes prior drug, robbery and assault convictions, as well as first-degree kidnapping charge in Wayne County.

This arrest produced charges of Level II trafficking in heroin by possession, manufacture heroin, two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a dwelling to facilitate drug activity.

According to General Statute 90-95 (the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act), any person in possession of 18 grams of heroin is considered a class E felon and subject to a minimum of 90 months in prison and a fine of $100,000.

Wiggins was incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $60,000 secured bond.