By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Salisbury man received a package with more than 10 pounds of marijuana that was mailed from California, authorities said.

Ronnie Lee Eagle, 41, of the 6100 block of U.S. 601 North, was charged Friday after a joint investigation by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and the Postal Service.

Eagle was charged with trafficking in more than 10 pounds but less than 50 pounds of marijuana, conspiracy to traffick in marijuana, and felony maintaining a dwelling to keep and sell controlled substances.

Authorities said Eagle received about 10.5 pounds of marijuana through the mail. The Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Postal Service, served a search warrant on Thursday at Eagle’s home.

Eagle had just received the package, and evidence obtained during the investigation showed that it was not the first such package he had received.

Officials said the Sheriff’s Office has worked multiple cases in which suspects have used the Postal Service, as well as commercial package delivery services, to ship drugs from California.

The value of the high-grade marijuana was about $35,000, officials said.

Eagle has been previously arrested and charged with possession of a weapon of mass destruction and has two convictions for carrying a concealed weapon. Eagle was issued a $40,000 secured bond and has since been released.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.