Well, this is speculative, but if someone were running a drug importing business, he would likely choose to settle in some place like Durham, where he could count on protection from the local police and not being investigated.
If the cops are his partners, then he needn't fear being interfered with.
But that is entirely for discussion purposes only, presented as a hypothetical. Not meant to point to anyone in particular. I have no knowledge of Mr. O's activities.