A couple of phone calls to the Crime Stoppers’ line and a follow-up investigation by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit investigators, led to the arrest of Ernest Leroy Davis Jr., 45, of Trails End North, Washington.

According to a spokesman for the drug unit, Crime Stoppers tips often turn up results. In this case, a couple of different complaints that Davis was involved in drug activity, led to his arrest.

“We had several different complaints citing very similar information,” the spokesman said. “We never know who their from. That’s the genius of the system. It’s anonymous, so people can report it without getting involved.”

He said the drug unit then looks for corroboration.

“We try our best to find time to investigate Crime Stoppers’ complaints and see if there’s any truth to them,” the spokesman said. “On many cases, the information is very accurate and has led to a lot of drug arrests. So it’s a very important program for us.”

According to a press release from the drug unit, in this case, investigators conducted a traffic stop on Davis’ vehicle and searched the vehicle with the help of the drug-detecting K-9 Elza. That search yielded a quantity of marijuana; a further search of Davis’ residence turned up Oxycodone, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and three firearms, the release said.

The firearms — a .22 rifle and two shotguns — were seized by authorities because Davis is a convicted felon, said the spokesman.

Davis was arrested and charged with possession of less than 1/2 ounce marijuana, possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm by a felon. Davis was confined in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond.