World War II medals stolen, traded for drugs in Andrews, N.C.

ANDREWS, N.C. (WDEF) — Andrews, North Carolina police arrested a man after they learned a drug-for-property exchange was ongoing at his home.

Police identified that man as James Rogers.

James Rogers (Andrews Police Department)

At Rogers’ home, authorities seized 81 grams of crystal meth, 58 suboxone strips, 76 buprenorphine pills and various other unidentified pills.

They also found many illegal firearms. Those included sawed-off shotguns and guns with serial numbers removed.

Andrews police also recovered stolen World War II medals and other personal military items that belonged to the burglary victim’s father.

“These medals, with immeasurable sentimental value, were traded for narcotics but have been thankfully restored to their rightful owner following the operation,” said the Andrews Police Department. 

Police say they originally were focusing on the distribution of meth. But they then learned of a breaking and entering on Cheoa Street. Andrews police said this led them to the drug-for-property exchange network.

Authorities say those stolen items were being traded for drugs at Rogers’ house. That information led to the raid on his home.