SHERBURNE – A 31-year-old Sherburne man was arrested Tuesday for multiple drug offenses following the execution of a “no knock” search warrant by the Chenango Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and is being held on $50,000 bail.

According to authorities, the warrant stemmed from a lengthy investigation into the sale of heroin in the Chenango County area.

“Norris is responsible for several thousands of dollars worth of heroin a week being sold in Chenango County,” said Lieutenant Richard Cobb. “It appears he is a major local distributor.”

The warrant included the search of both a Sherburne residence and a vehicle parked at a local Sherburne business.

Dustin J. Norris was arrested after authorities found him to be in possession of approximately 3.5 grams of heroin and an undisclosed amount of cash.

“The recovered heroin was found in close proximity to two young children in the vehicle,” read a release from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

At Norris’ residence, several needles, packaging material and paraphernalia were located by authorities.

Norris was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a class B felony; criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; and endangering the welfare of a child, also a class A misdemeanor.

The man was arraigned in the Village of Sherburne Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are pending.

“The cooperation between the local agencies led to the arrest of a major local heroin distributor in the area,” said Cobb on the importance of combined efforts among agencies.

The Norwich Police Department, Sherburne Police, and Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the investigation.

“We will aggressively pursue all who deal this poison in our neighborhoods,” said Undersheriff Dan Frair.