(a)        A search warrant valid throughout the State may be issued by:

(1)        A Justice of the Supreme Court.

(2)        A judge of the Court of Appeals.

(3)        A judge of the superior court.

(b)        Other search warrants may be issued by:

(1)        A judge of the district court as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-291

(2)        A clerk as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-180 and 7A-181.

(3)        A magistrate as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-273 (1868-9, c. 178, subch. 3, s. 38; Code, s. 1171; Rev., s. 3163; C.S., s. 4529; 1941, c. 53; 1949, c. 1179; 1955, c. 7; 1965, c. 377; 1969, c. 869, s. 8; 1973, c. 1286, s. 1.)