A man officers believe is one of the largest drug dealers in Bladen County is behind bars on federal trafficking charges.

Bladen County Sheriff Steve Bunn said Reginald Larue Spivey was taken into custody by federal marshals Thursday morning on a number of federal drug charges.

If convicted, Bunn said, Spivey could face life in prison.

Spivey was awaiting state charges of trafficking in cocaine and marijuana, manufacturing, and other crimes from a Sept. 21, 2000 raid on his home.

In that raid, police seized several pounds of cocaine and marijuana, along with a tractor-trailer, a race car, and a pickup truck.

He was in the Bladen County Jail under $1 million bond.

Spivey, who is 35, lives at 16663 Twisted Hickory Rd., Bladenboro, in the Sandhills community. He is being held in federal custody without bond.

Bunn said local, state, and federal authorities executed a search warrant on Spivey's home early Thursday morning.

The warrant was the result of a nearly five-year investigation by Bladen and Columbus County investigators, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

"This was a major, major dealer in our area," Bunn said. "We have reason to believe he was a bulk supplier to smaller dealers throughout Bladen and Columbus Counties."

Spivey was indicted for conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 50 grams of crack and five kilos of cocaine; distributing more than 50 grams of crack and five kilos of cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack and five kilos of cocaine.

Authorities were still searching Spivey's home Thursday, Bunn said. Further charges could be filed.

The investigation is continuing.

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