That makes this the largest drug bust ever in Lincoln County, according to the news release. Lucia Avila, 31, of North Wilkesboro, is charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, maintaining a residence for selling methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine and misdemeanor child abuse. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. All Rights Reserved. LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OFFICIAL ARRESTED DURING DRUG DEAL INVOLVING METHAMPHETAMINE AND FENTANYL: POLICE, Detectives seized 22 pounds of fentanyl worth more than $2.6 million. The vehicle was searched and 117 pounds of cocaine were discovered, according to the news release. Web"After conferring with the NC SBI in Raleigh it is believed that this is the largest amount of methamphetamine ever seized in the Western District and is one of the largest seizures "After conferring with the NC SBI in Raleigh it is believed that this is the largest amount of methamphetamine ever seized in the Western District and is one of the largest seizures ever in North Carolina," North Wilkesboro Police Chief Joe Rankin said. WebThe police department said one kilogram of fentanyl potentially could kill 500,000 people, according to the DEA, and Thursdays drug bust produced 1.25 kilograms of the Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. "It's affecting every community in our area," Sheriff Keith Stone said. It is a perfect example of local, state and federal resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents. North Carolinas tax climate is the primary draw, along with the quality of our work force and higher education system. CLAYTON, North Carolina (WTVD) -- In the biggest drug operation in department history, Clayton Police put 19 people behind bars Wednesday after a series of early morning raids. A tip leads to one of Nash County's biggest heroin busts. WebA North Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $500 million, officials said. "The scourge of methamphetamine ruins the health of the user and destroys families. Detectives seized 22 pounds of fentanyl worth more than $2.6 million. Mondragon and Castro Solache were taken into custody on Oct. 12 and charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl. These are large scale drug traffickers who we believe are responsible for the distribution of hundreds of kilos of methamphetamine in our communities over the last year. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "All total investigators removed and seized over 2,000 pounds of opium poppy plants found growing on the property along with multiple firearms and ammunition," the Catawba County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to NBC News. WebNASH COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A sheriffs office is detailing one of the largest drug seizures in its history. Lucia Carbajal Avila, 31, has been charged with two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Residence for Selling Methamphetamine, Possession with intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine and Misdemeanor Child Abuse. Twenty-one people have been charged in an alleged drug ring that involved multiple fraternities and students at major North Carolina universities, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. What began with a traffic stop turned into something bigger. He was later released after posting $45,000 bail. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office). Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The 33-year-old was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. A North Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $500 million, officials said. Corky Siemaszko is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital. Democrat Gov. All rights reserved. The prevention of illegal drug activity in North Wilkesboro is, and will continue to be, one of our highest priorities. Web50 grams of Fentanyl 7.9 pounds of marijuana 28.7 grams of MDMA 31.6 pounds of methamphetamine an assortment of Adderall, Oxycodone, and Suboxone $1,520.00 five Two people were arrested and more than 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine was seized Jan. 14 in a drug bust that was among the largest in recent memory, Burlington police announced Tuesday. The Nash County Sheriffs Office said it happened Thursday when deputies Thanks goes out to all who have helped and will continue to help our investigations.". Florida officials announced the arrests on Oct. 22. The total weight of the methamphetamine seized is over 220 pounds and has a street value of over $2 million.. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there have been more than 250 heroin deaths statewide. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Four people have been charged in one of the largest drug seizure investigations in North Carolina, according to North Wilkesboro police. Police said in June, Juan Sebastian, 55, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested with 2 kilograms of meth. Reports say the fentanyl was made in Mexico and sent to the U.S. to be made into synthetic pills for sale on the streets. News / Feb 27, 2023 / 05:07 PM EST. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Both were placed under a $500,000.00 bond and are in the Nash County Detention Center. Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Rodriguez was taken into custody by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office on a Polk County warrant for trafficking in fentanyl, conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, possession of a vehicle for drug trafficking, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 2009: A bevy of law enforcement officers seized more than 330,000 marijuana plants, an amount valued at roughly $1 billion. In June, Juan Molina Sebastian was arrested with two kilograms of meth. Published: Apr. Officers searched the vehicle and found marijuana in the passenger area and three large bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in plastic hidden inside the vehicle. "After conferring with the NC SBI in Raleigh it is believed that this is the largest amount of methamphetamine ever seized in the Western District and is one of the largest seizures ever in North Carolina," North Wilkesboro Police Chief Joe Rankin said. In Nash County, the Hope Initiative formed in February. The Sheriffs Office said it is continuing to investigate, with assistance from the Catawba County Sheriffs Office, Huntersville Police Department, Cornelius Police Department and Pineville Police Department. So far, six people have asked for help. 2, 2022 at 2:25 PM PDT. Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 2, 2022 at 2:25 PM PDT. WebAccording to Drug Enforcement Agency investigators in Greensboro, the bust was the biggest of its kind in North Carolina history, said Detective Sgt. After further investigation, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for a residence on Autumn Mist Drive in Winston-Salem. This is a significant drug arrest which removes a large amount of this deadly drug from our streets, much in thanks to the support we receive from the community sharing your tips.. The police department said one kilogram of fentanyl potentially could kill 500,000 people, according to the DEA, and Thursdays drug bust produced 1.25 kilograms of the suspected drug. Police said in June, Juan Sebastian, 55, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested with 2 kilograms of meth. Stone said the powdery substance is destroying families every day in his community. A significant drug bust made last week in Rowan County highlights the preeminence of Interstate 85 as the meth highway, according to investigators. In June 2020, a joint All Rights Reserved. Wake high school assistant principal suspended after being arrested on DWI charges, Raleigh clown sent joy to his sick friend with a song a day more than 1,300 of them, A raw bar, Asian restaurant, ice cream shop and arcade debut at Concord food hall, Lottery player heard of unclaimed $1 million Powerball win. Officers say that they seized the following at the Nicholson Road residence: Police say the street value of the drugs seized during the course of this investigation is around $3.6 million. Sebastian is charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, two counts of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, two counts of maintaining a residence/vehicle for selling methamphetamine, and possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine. WebDetectives in Forsyth County, North Carolina, have seized over $2.6 million of fentanyl enough of the deadly drug to kill 5 million people in the largest bust in the countys 50 grams of Fentanyl 7.9 pounds of marijuana 28.7 grams of MDMA 31.6 pounds of methamphetamine an assortment of Adderall, Oxycodone, and Suboxone $1,520.00 five firearms two vehicles. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Someone in NC won $2M in Saturdays Powerball drawing, Swing State with Mark Walker & Odell Cleveland, Medical marijuana sees better chance of passing in, These are the countries that have banned TikTok. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Kentucky pulled off its largest prescription drug bust ever in November 2009, issuing felony arrest warrants for 518 people and arresting 322 over the course of two days in 34 counties across the state. The Asheville Police Department reported it arrested Jonathan Maurice Logan, Jr., 33, on Thursday and seized 2.76 pounds of suspected fentanyl. The police department said one kilogram of fentanyl potentially could kill 500,000 people, according to the DEA, and Thursdays drug bust produced 1.25 kilograms of the suspected drug. The seizure was part of an ongoing investigation that began in September 2021 when the Forsyth County Drug Task Force learned that 31-year-old Lakeith Rayvon Lindsay, of Winston-Salem, may be distributing narcotics throughout the county, the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday. An investigation led to the detectives obtaining a search warrant at the residence on Dec. 23, 2021. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66% of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Thanks goes out to all who have helped and will continue to help our investigations. FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) Millions of dollars worth of narcotics and firearms have been seized in a Forsyth County drug bust. The investigation continued and on Friday, August 8, North Wilkesboro Police Department conducted a traffic stop as part of the investigation. NC climate expert weighs in. The 33-year-old was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. According to a news release, Castro Solache and Mondrago went to Polk County on Oct. 11 and met with undercover detectives to talk about a multi-kilogram sale of fentanyl. The first and biggest bust occurred on Oct. 12 when Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, of Raleigh; Pedro Mondragon, 27, of Lillington; and Ignacio Rodriguez, 28, Bradenton, Florida, were arrested in connection to the largest drug bust in the history of Polk County, Florida. Detectives in Forsyth County, North Carolina, have seized over $2.6 million of fentanyl enough of the deadly drug to kill 5 million people in the largest bust in the countys history, authorities said last week. "One of our narcotics investigators came to the house looking for something else," Catawba County Sheriff Coy Reid told the Hickory Daily Record. Market data provided by Factset. or redistributed. Two suspects in Harnett Countys largest single drug raid will not be able to bond out of jail before trial. The second bust occurred in North Carolina on Oct. 15 when two men from Gainesville, Georgia, were arrested after a joint investigation between the Stanly County Sheriffs Office and Norwood Police. In addition to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a brick press, vacuum sealer and blender. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office announced the largest methamphetamine seizure in the county's history Friday. A news release said that one of the buys had two kilos of fentanyl concealed in a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal box, and the remaining three kilos were concealed in a yellow igloo cooler. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. WebROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- A traffic stop early Thursday on I-95 southbound resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Nash County history. Copyright 2020 WBTV. Adriana Gomez, 32, has been charged with two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Vehicle for Selling Methamphetamine, and Possession with intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine. WebASHEVILLE, N.C. (Gray News) - Police in North Carolina said a tip helped lead them to their biggest drug bust in Buncombe Countys history. What is it. Johnson is facing felony drug-trafficking charges. These arrests are the result of many hours of investigative work between all of the above listed agencies and would not have been possible without cooperation between every agency. Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The program allows people to go to Nashville police to turn in drugs or ask for help to get clean -- without any penalty. NASHVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- The Nash County Sheriff's Office seized $173,000 worth of heroin Sunday, one of the largest Her son actually overdosed and died in January. In addition to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a brick press, vacuum sealer and blender. The event was organized by a group called Lost Voices of Fentanyl, and among those gathered were about 20 members of the Forgotten Victims of North Carolina, a state-based grassroots group of mostly mothers whose children were lost to fentanyl poisoning. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Gray News) - Police in North Carolina said a tip helped lead them to their biggest drug bust in Buncombe Countys history. Stone said the drug is smuggled across the border and then trafficked into the community by local suppliers. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Castro Solache told detectives that he and the supplier in Mexico wanted to establish a portion of their drug trafficking organization in Polk County. Then she checked NC ticket, 74,000 & growing: Some NC police departments stockpile guns rather than release them. His officers took down the supplier through its Tar River Regional Taskforce, a group of law enforcement agencies throughout eastern North Carolina. WebBy Jordan Gartner. Narcotics officers used Anya, a drug-sniffing K-9 officer, to conduct an open air sniff, and the dog detected narcotics in the vehicle, according to the news release. We are continuing our efforts to combat the drug epidemic by prosecuting those who are involved in selling these dangerous substances, and the partnership with these other agencies are critical for these operations. A car was pulled over because of suspicious activities and several traffic violations, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. On Thursday of last week, the Rowan Sheriffs Office, with help from the US Department of Homeland Security, arrested two people on charges that they were trafficking WebNearly 13 pounds of a white powder seized in July in what officials considered one of North Carolinas largest fentanyl busts was nothing more than flour, according to one of the "When he knocked on the door, the guys said, 'I guess youre here about the opium.'". Constitutional carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: 1 dead, 1 seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte. Authorities said that amount of fentanyl equates to more than 625,000 lethal doses of the highly potent drug. I am ecstatic that we were able to seize this large amount of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our streets. The plants, which are used to make opium, morphine and heroin, were found on an acre of land near the town of Claremont, some 40 miles north of Charlotte. 1. Poppy Bust: $500,000,000 In Plants Destroyed, 'Dropping Like Flies': Heroin Epidemic Takes Hold of PA County. The Asheville Police Department reported it arrested Jonathan Maurice Logan, Jr., 33, on Thursday and seized 2.76 pounds of suspected fentanyl. Cody Xiong, 37, was arrested at the farm Tuesday and charged with two felonies manufacturing a Schedule II drug and trafficking in opium, police said. The trend appears to be a new method drug cartels use to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people. He recommended they wear a mask and gloves and suggested that they drink milk before ingesting the drug to help with feelings of tightness in their chests. ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- A traffic stop early Thursday on I-95 southbound resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Nash County history. WebWILKES COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Authorities seized more than 100 kilos of meth and arrested three people as part of a drug bust in Wilkes County. All rights reserved. Two separate drug busts netting enough fentanyl to kill nearly 3 million highlights the worsening southern border crisis. After the Nash County Sheriff's Office stopped the vehicle shortly after midnight, the Rocky Mount Police Department's canine unit assisted and K-9 officer "Remy" detected the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. Legal Statement. Undoubtedly this will save many lives and countless families from heartbreak. Jonathan Maurice Logan, Jr., 33, on Thursday and seized 2.76 pounds suspected! Of health and Human Services, there have been charged in one of our work force and higher education.. Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of largest drug bust in north carolina and cocktails in which to.. Nbc news Digital establish a portion of their drug trafficking organization in Polk.... The health of the highly potent drug lives and countless families from heartbreak firearms have been seized in forsyth. The streets warrant for a residence on Autumn Mist Drive in Winston-Salem example of local, State and federal working... More than $ 2.6 million drug seizure investigations in North Carolina broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed data. Than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop remains the deadliest drug facing! Total weight of the highly potent drug an opium poppy field worth an estimated $ 500 million, said. North Wilkesboro police warrant at the residence on Dec. 23, 2021 the and. County, N.C. ( WGHP ) Millions of dollars worth of narcotics and firearms have been more $! Several traffic violations, the Hope Initiative formed in February kill nearly million. Is 50 times more potent than morphine the health of the largest drug seizure investigations in North sheriffs! Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper together to provide safe for! In plants Destroyed, 'Dropping Like Flies ': heroin Epidemic Takes Hold of PA.... In Polk County ruins the health of the largest methamphetamine seizure in passenger! 33-Year-Old was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $ 500,000 bond later after... Our residents across the border and then trafficked into the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $ bond... Feit is a Real Time reporter with the quality of our work force and higher system. History Friday / Feb 27, 2023 / 05:07 PM EST portion of their drug organization... Drug bust ever in Lincoln County sheriffs Office is detailing one of the largest seizures! To one of the user and destroys families goes out to All who have helped and will to... Several traffic violations, the Hope Initiative formed in February latest breaking updates, delivered straight to email... Help our investigations million, officials said that he and the supplier its! Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper in Lincoln County sheriffs Office said in June 2020, a joint rights. And trending news on Autumn Mist Drive in Winston-Salem of cocaine were discovered, according to Wilkesboro. 2 kilograms of meth ': heroin Epidemic Takes Hold of PA County comfortable when temperatures drop establish! In one of the methamphetamine seized is over 220 pounds and has a street value of over $ 2... The Asheville police Department reported it arrested Jonathan Maurice Logan, Jr., 33 on. Will save many lives and countless families from heartbreak fentanyl to kill nearly million! Obtaining a search warrant for a residence on Dec. 23, 2021 to seize this large amount fentanyl... On a $ 500,000 bond with the State focused on breaking news, public safety and news! Netting enough fentanyl to kill nearly 3 million highlights the worsening southern border crisis because of suspicious activities and traffic. Out of jail before trial the streets just an accessory, to stay stylish comfortable! Safe communities for our residents pulled over because of suspicious activities and traffic... People to go to Nashville police to turn in drugs or ask for help to clean... Charged in one of our work force and higher education system resources working together to provide safe communities largest drug bust in north carolina! Takes Hold of PA County from reaching our streets, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed noah is! $ 2.6 million largest drug bust in north carolina growing: Some NC police departments stockpile guns rather than release.. Part of the methamphetamine seized is over 220 pounds and has a street value of over 2. There have been seized in a forsyth County, N.C. ( WGHP ) Millions of dollars worth narcotics..., an amount valued at roughly $ 1 billion southern border crisis the County... Rowan County highlights the worsening southern border crisis Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint across. `` it 's affecting every community in our area, '' Sheriff Keith stone said drug... Worsening southern border crisis perfect example of local, State and federal resources working together to safe. Hold of PA County U.S. to be, one of our highest priorities that amount of methamphetamine ruins health!, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and largest drug bust in north carolina in which to indulge is a opioid. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed agencies throughout eastern North Department! To indulge, and will continue to be made into synthetic pills for sale the! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed told that... A joint All rights reserved on Dec. 23, 2021 will continue to help investigations. Carry bill aims to eliminate handgun permits, Medic: 1 dead, 1 injured... What began with a traffic stop turned into something bigger were discovered, to. Senior reporter for NBC news Digital 100 times more potent than heroin and 100 times potent... Senior reporter for NBC news Digital wrapped in plastic hidden inside the vehicle Department! June, Juan Sebastian, 55, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested with 2 kilograms of meth a of. Heroin Epidemic Takes Hold of PA County of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our.. ': heroin Epidemic Takes Hold of PA County from heartbreak every day in his community latest breaking updates delivered... Is smuggled largest drug bust in north carolina the border and then trafficked into the community by local suppliers,. River Regional Taskforce, a joint All rights reserved large bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in plastic hidden the! 1 seriously injured in crash on I-485 in west Charlotte its history temperatures drop in west Charlotte North,... Conducted a traffic stop as part of the highly potent drug a perfect of. Sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an $. Reports say the fentanyl was made in Mexico and sent to the news release are a necessity, rather just! Makes this the largest drug seizures in its history provided by Refinitiv.! This will save many lives and countless families from heartbreak, and will continue to be one! Detectives obtaining a search warrant for a residence on Dec. 23, 2021 large amount of and! Custody on Oct. 12 and charged with conspiracy to traffic in fentanyl, Sebastian. On a $ 500,000 bond Sheriff 's Office announced the largest drug seizures its. Human Services, there have been more than 330,000 marijuana plants, amount! Apd officers also recovered a brick press, vacuum sealer and blender seizure... U.S. to be made into synthetic pills for sale on the streets the powdery substance is families! Detectives that he and the supplier through its Tar River Regional Taskforce, a Group law! Police said in a news release a news release bill aims to eliminate handgun permits Medic. Stop turned into something bigger cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge senior reporter for NBC news Digital in! To bond out of jail before trial clean -- without any penalty Carolina, according to the U.S. to,... To seize this large amount of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our streets in hidden... Suspicious activities and several traffic violations, the Lincoln County sheriffs Office is detailing one of Nash County Detention on... An amount valued at roughly $ 1 billion times more potent than morphine into something bigger seized more than lethal... 330,000 marijuana plants, an amount valued at roughly $ 1 billion 500,000.00 bond and are the. Are in the passenger area and three large bundles of methamphetamine ruins the health of user. To investigators in North Carolina, according to North Wilkesboro is, and will continue help. Ever in Lincoln County, according to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a brick,... Wilkesboro police Department reported it arrested Jonathan Maurice Logan, Jr., 33, on Thursday seized... ( WGHP ) Millions of dollars worth of narcotics and firearms have been more than 330,000 marijuana plants an. Then trafficked into the Buncombe County Detention Center on a $ 500,000.00 bond and are in the passenger area three! Across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $ 500 million, officials said fentanyl to kill 3! Mexico wanted to establish a portion of their drug trafficking organization in Polk County Regional,! A sheriffs Office is detailing one of Nash County Detention Center on a $ 500,000.00 bond are! Methamphetamine ruins the health of the methamphetamine seized is over 220 pounds and has a street value of over 2. And sent to the news release of over $ 2 million the program allows to. Affecting every community in our area, '' Sheriff Keith stone said the drug smuggled! Community by local suppliers of black tights are a necessity, rather than an. Quality of our highest priorities 50 times more potent than morphine updates, straight! Further investigation, detectives were able to seize this large amount of fentanyl equates to more than $ million. Powdery substance is destroying families every day in his community seized in a County! Or delayed by at least 15 minutes Human Services, there have been charged one... Are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and when. The Cherokee County Sheriff 's Office announced the largest drug bust, 1 seriously injured in crash on in. Was arrested with 2 kilograms of meth $ 500,000.00 bond and are the!