SALISBURY — A Granite Quarry man will spend up to eight years in prison after being convicted of numerous drug charges this week.

Wesley James Morton was convicted in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court of felony trafficking in methamphetamine, four counts of felony possession of methamphetamine precursor, felony manufacture methamphetamine, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony manufacture methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Judge Joseph N. Crosswhite sentenced Morton to a minimum of 70 months to a maximum of 96 months in prison, along with a minimum of 70 months to a maximum of 93 months in prison. These sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. Morton was also ordered to pay a $600 lab fee and a $50,000 fine.

According to a news release from the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office:

On January 14, 2015, officers with the Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority received information from the National Precursor Log Exchange that an individual had purchased twenty 2.4 grams of Sudafed at Walmart. Officers reviewed the Walmart video and were able to identify who had purchased the Sudafed. Officers observed Morton, who had purchased other items that are used to make methamphetamine.

Based on additional information, officers executed a search warrant at a home on North Oak Street. Officers located several Fentanyl patches and Oxycodone. Officers located Morton, who had a syringe in his hand, along with a container with a small amount of white powder residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers observed that Morton had burns on his hands, along with evidence of a methamphetamine lab in various locations. Several items of evidence were seized. Morton admitted to making methamphetamine and said that someone else provided him instructions on how to make it.

Morton had previously been convicted of felony possession of cocaine, among other convictions.

District Attorney Brandy Cook said in the news release she appreciated “the diligence of Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould in seeing Morton was brought to justice.” Cook commended the Granite Quarry-Faith Police Authority’s hard work in investigating the case.

“By working together, we continue to make strides in our efforts to hold those who illegally manufacture methamphetamine accountable for their actions,” Cook said.