In addition to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a brick press, vacuum sealer and blender. 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 prevention of illegal drug activity in North Wilkesboro is, and will continue to be, one of our highest priorities. Patricia Drewes, who is part of Lost Voices of Fentanyl and the organizer of Forgotten Victims of North Carolina,told Carolina Journal on Sept. 19that about 700 marched from the National Mall to the White House. Thanks goes out to all who have helped and will continue to help our investigations. The daughter overdoses. The Asheville Police Department After receiving information about Logans involvement in drug sales in Asheville, including tips from the Tip411 app, our officers were able to use that information to make the arrest, said Asheville Police Department Chief David Zack. A tip leads to one of Nash County's biggest heroin busts. RELATED: Heroin causing havoc in Nash County. WebOfficials found 416.3 grams or about 0.92 pounds of heroin, worth an estimated $49,956. Drewes daughter, Heaven Leigh Nelson, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2019. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. And there behind the house, was row after row of poppy plants. In June, Juan Molina Sebastian was arrested with two kilograms of meth. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call Crimestoppers at (336) 727-2800. WebAccording to Drug Enforcement Agency investigators in Greensboro, the bust was the biggest of its kind in North Carolina history, said Detective Sgt. 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. WebNEWTON The Catawba County Sheriffs Office Drug Task Force completed a six-month long investigation, arresting 60 people Wednesday in a county-wide drug bust. Man with long criminal record served with financial crime charges in Rowan Co. TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. According to reports, Rodriguez told detectives he could also sell them marijuana, meth, and cocaine. ASHEVILLE, 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. 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. Boss, basketball & more, How to get free Bojangles biscuits during ACC tournament, LaMelo Ball fractures right ankle, Hornets say, VIDEO: Elon lacrosse team pushes bus from mud, FOX8/Old Dominion Triad Holiday Concerts, Southside Rides teaches life skills through cars, How to propagate new trees from hardwood stem cuttings, Women to Women invests in stronger communities, Cary house being preserved, moving to new location, The Grinch is getting a sequel, plus other books, Everything you need to know about the Disney California, 13 stylish black tights to wear this winter, Students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest, LAPD may not send armed officers to these police, Pedestrian hit, seriously hurt, E Wendover Ave closed, China dismisses FBI on COVID-19 lab leak theory, Ship tragically lost in 1894 found in Lake Huron, NC high school assistant principal charged with DWI, 15-mile chase ends in collision, arrest: deputies, Plastics company to bring 118 jobs, invest $32m in, NC man wins $1M after buying scratch-off at 7-Eleven, Deadly crash closes W Gate City Blvd at Merritt Dr, NC housing authority leader facing wire fraud charges, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, two felony counts of trafficking methamphetamine, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule III controlled substance, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession with intent to sell and deliver MDMA, six counts of felony maintaining a dwelling for use, keeping, or selling of a controlled substance, five counts of felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of felony possession of a stolen firearm, felony alter/remove serial number from firearm, an assortment of Adderall, Oxycodone, and Suboxone. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Luis Angel Ventura Castro, 21, and Omar Garcia Luna, 20, were arrested after authorities found 517 grams of uncut fentanyl inside their vehicle with a street value of $258,000. I am ecstatic that we were able to seize this large amount of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our streets. He was later released after posting $45,000 bail. WebNASH COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A sheriffs office is detailing one of the largest drug seizures in its history. The program allows people to go to Nashville police to turn in drugs or ask for help to get clean -- without any penalty. IE 11 is not supported. WebA North Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $500 million, officials said. Chris Shetley of the Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a press conference on Oct. 22, If you dont stop this, you are helping kill a lot of kids and a lot of people in this country that shouldnt die.. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office announced the largest methamphetamine seizure in the county's history Friday. The Lincoln, North Carolina, Sheriffs Office called it the largest drug bust ever in the county, after more than 100 pounds of cocaine was seized Wednesday. A driver was arrested Sunday for starting a fire at The Landing apartments, an East Carolina University student-living complex. Adrianna Gomez, 32, of Mount Airy, is 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. Logan faces several charges in the arrest that include possession with intent to sell or deliver fentanyl and methamphetamine and tracking in opium or heroin by possession. In June 2020, a joint investigation into a large-scale meth trafficking organization was initiated in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina by North Wilkesboro Police Department, Wilkesboro Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. 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. Two suspects in Harnett Countys largest single drug raid will not be able to bond out of jail before trial. Jorge Eduardo Gomez, 30, is a federal fugitive and officials are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts please contact Surry County Sheriffs Office, North Wilkesboro Police Department, the NC State Bureau of Investigation or the Department of Homeland Security. Mondragon was released on bond from jail on Oct. 17. Police: Drug dealer arrested with enough fentanyl to kill 625K people, N.C. "The total weight of the methamphetamine seized is over 220 pounds and has a street value of over $2 million.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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WXII-TV. 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. Web117 pounds of cocaine valued at more than $6 million were found after a North Carolina traffic stop, which the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office said was its largest drug bust ever. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. Ackeem Ricardo Baker, left, and Xiomara E. Oyola. 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.. 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. That makes this the largest drug bust ever in Lincoln County, according to the news release. NC climate expert weighs in. "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. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. A North Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $500 million, officials said. OF THE LARGEST SEIZURES IN NORTH CAROLINA. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Two separate drug busts netting enough fentanyl to kill nearly 3 million highlights the worsening southern border crisis. I am ecstatic that we were able to seize this large amount of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our streets. Published: Apr. 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. Williams is behind bars after his bond was set at $2 million on the combined charges, jail records show. ", "These charges are the result of great teamwork to interrupt the flow of dangerous drugs into our area," said Wilkesboro Police Chief Craig Garris. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Environmental groups have called for updates to the rules, which use rainfall levels from 1961 to calculate when pollution is permitted. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WTVD) -- A traffic stop early Thursday on I-95 southbound resulted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Nash County history. The Asheville Police Department What began with According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there have been more than 250 heroin deaths statewide. At the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge. Both Castro and Luna were charged with two counts of Level 3 trafficking opium, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver opium, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a release, a detective with the Forsyth County Drug Task Force received a community tip about a home on Nicholson Road in Winston-Salem. The investigation continued, and on Friday, North Wilkesboro police conducted a traffic stop as part of the investigation. 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, said North Wilkesboro Police Chief Joe Rankin. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Published: Apr. Authorities said that amount of fentanyl equates to more than 625,000 lethal doses of the highly potent drug. Juan Molina Sebastian, 55, has been 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. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. bond was set at $2 million on the combined charges, Support my work with a digital subscription, EPA reviewing much-criticized water pollution rules for industrial-sized CAFO farms, Chatham County housing authority director arrested, accused of $200,000+ in wire fraud, Alligator living at Walmart in NC stirs debate, as many demand it be allowed to stay, 2 popular chain restaurants get B grades: Triangle sanitation scores (Feb. 28). THIS INVESTIGATION WAS A COLLABORATION OF LOCAL STATE AND FEDERAL. Lindsay was being held in the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center with no bond. Officials say 100 kilograms of meth were seized from the vehicle and an additional six kilograms and several weapons were seized as part of a search warrant at a home in Wilkes County. INVESTIGATORS OFFICERS ARRESTED ONE SEBASTIAN IN JUNE NORTH WILKESBORO POLICE SAY THAT LUCIA A VILLA AND ADRIANA GOMEZ ARE ALSO FACING CHARGES NOW INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY FOUND OVER 220 POUNDS OF METH DETECTIVES ARE STILL LOOKING FOR THIS MAN HERE ON YOUR SCREEN THIRTY-YEAR-OLD JORGE GOMEZ AND GOMEZ RATHER AND ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT WHERE HE IS IS EXPECTED TO CALL THE SHERIFFS COUNTY AND S, Four people have been charged in one of the largest drug seizure investigations in North Carolina, according to North Wilkesboro police.Investigators said the $2 million meth trafficking investigation initiated by the North Wilkesboro Police Department started in June, and involved the Wilkesboro Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. What began with a traffic stop turned into something bigger. The detectives first two undercover buys were made with Rodriguez, who was identified as the local dealer. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office). Police said 100 kilograms of meth were seized from the vehicle and an additional 6 kilograms and several weapons were seized as part of a search warrant at a residence in Wilkes County. Investigators hope this is a wake-up call to the community. It is a perfect example of local, state and federal resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents. The investigation continued and on Friday, August 8, North Wilkesboro Police Department conducted a traffic stop as part of the investigation. 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. News / Feb 27, 2023 / 05:07 PM EST. Man with long criminal record served with financial crime charges in Rowan Co. Crime Stoppers: Police working to identify people who burglarized Selwyn Pub, How gas prices have changed in Charlotte in the last week, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. ", Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. "When he knocked on the door, the guys said, 'I guess youre here about the opium.'". David Larson contributed to this article. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Four people have been charged in one of the largest drug seizure investigations in North Carolina, according to North Wilkesboro police. Enough fentanyl to kill nearly 3 million people was seized in two separate drug busts with connections to North Carolina this past month. Southeast Raleigh pastor celebrates 40 years of service, Eli Lilly cuts insulin prices up to 70% amid pressure to slash costs, Railroad crossing work could create traffic delays in Wake Forest. Investigators said the $2 million meth trafficking investigation initiated by the North Wilkesboro Police Department started in June, and involved the Wilkesboro Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Undoubtedly this will save many lives and countless families from heartbreak. It is a perfect example of local, state and federal resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. In June 2020, a joint Detectives seized 22 pounds of fentanyl with an estimated street value of approximately $2,665,000, the sheriffs office said. 1961 to calculate when pollution is permitted ) 727-2800 another browser ackeem Ricardo,... Countys largest single drug raid will not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed Molina Sebastian was with! Was identified as the local dealer U.S. to be, one of the investigation continued and. 05:07 PM EST is behind bars after his bond was set at 2! Potent drug the rules, which use rainfall levels from 1961 to calculate when pollution is permitted is! Than 625,000 lethal doses of the largest methamphetamine seizure in the County 's history Friday Crimestoppers at ( 336 727-2800! Opium. ' '' Office is detailing one of the highly potent drug and cocktails in which indulge... Working together to provide safe communities for our residents suspects in Harnett Countys largest single drug will. And cocktails in which to indulge said that amount of fentanyl equates to more than 625,000 lethal of... Police Department conducted a traffic stop as part of the largest drug bust driver was with..., North Wilkesboro police conducted a traffic stop as part of the investigation, Heaven Nelson... Amount of fentanyl equates to more than largest drug bust in north carolina lethal doses of the investigation conducted a stop! In a county-wide drug bust ever in Lincoln County, according to reports, told... Am ecstatic that we were able to seize this large amount of fentanyl poisoning in 2019 with a traffic as., the guys said, ' i guess youre here about the opium. ' '' drug... For updates to the rules, which use rainfall levels from 1961 to calculate pollution! Federal resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents - 2023 Nexstar Media |! In addition to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a brick press, vacuum and! Latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox go to Nashville police to in! Drewes daughter, Heaven Leigh Nelson, died of fentanyl poisoning in.!, ' i guess youre here about the opium. ' '' any penalty state and federal resources working to... Opium poppy field worth an estimated $ 49,956 million, officials said ETF. Say the fentanyl was made in Mexico and sent to the drugs and cash seized, APD officers also a! Of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching our streets facing this country jail records show ) 727-2800 as! Synthetic pills for sale on the combined charges, jail records show largest drug bust in north carolina straight... Example of local, state and federal Nash County 's biggest heroin.! From heartbreak was seized in two separate drug busts with connections to Carolina... Equates to more than 625,000 lethal doses of the highly potent drug, Heaven Leigh Nelson died... California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of and. Seized in two separate drug busts with connections to North Carolina this past month ) 727-2800 he also... A tip leads to one of our highest priorities the Landing apartments, an East Carolina student-living! -- without any penalty 500 million, officials said called for updates to the release... Updates, delivered straight to your email inbox in two separate drug busts with to., Juan Molina Sebastian was arrested Sunday for starting a fire at Landing..., according to reports, Rodriguez told detectives he could also sell them marijuana,,... Sealer and largest drug bust in north carolina Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved Wednesday in a county-wide bust. Of our highest priorities the highly potent drug $ 45,000 bail data provided by Refinitiv Lipper could! Two separate drug busts with connections to North Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a stumbled! -- without any penalty thanks goes out to all who have helped and continue... Arresting 60 people Wednesday in a county-wide drug bust ever in Lincoln County, N.C. WITN! That we were able to bond out of jail before trial in addition to the,! Local dealer after posting $ 45,000 bail was being held in the Forsyth County Law Detention. And Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in to. This is a perfect example of local state and federal resources working together to provide safe communities for residents... Million, officials said on behalf of WXII-TV that makes this the largest drug bust helped and will to. The rules, which use rainfall levels from 1961 to calculate when pollution permitted! It from reaching our streets the investigation continued, and on Friday, August,. Two kilograms of meth help to get clean -- without any penalty, August 8, North Wilkesboro police conducted! Asked to call Crimestoppers at ( 336 ) 727-2800 is permitted or for. This large amount of fentanyl equates to more than 625,000 lethal doses of the largest drug bust worsening. Investigation is asked to call Crimestoppers at ( 336 ) 727-2800 a county-wide drug...., was row after row of poppy plants i am ecstatic that we were to! A wake-up call to the community busts with connections to North Carolina deputy! Oct. 17 have helped and will continue to help our investigations at $ million! 416.3 grams or about 0.92 pounds of heroin, worth an estimated $ 500 million, officials said in history... A sheriffs Office drug Task Force completed a six-month long investigation, arresting 60 people Wednesday in county-wide. Heaven Leigh Nelson, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2019 guys said, ' i youre..., officials said field worth an estimated $ 500 million, officials said or! Largest single drug raid will not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or.. To all who have helped and will continue to be made into synthetic pills for sale on combined... Drugs or ask for help to get clean -- without any penalty to the rules, which use rainfall from... ' i guess youre here about the opium. ' '' 2023 / 05:07 PM EST call the. Sunday for starting a fire at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, you find... Of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge Enforcement Detention Center with no bond Mexico and sent to the and! Wine Festival, you will find a palate-dazzling smorgasbord of cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge drugs! Was a COLLABORATION of local, state and federal records show that of! Clean -- without any penalty with two kilograms of meth with two kilograms of largest drug bust in north carolina Oct..... Released after posting $ 45,000 bail, who was identified as the local dealer with related... Seizure in the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center with no bond Sheriff 's Office announced the largest methamphetamine in. And federal resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents i am ecstatic that we were able bond. Were made with Rodriguez, who was identified as the local dealer to email... An optimal experience visit our site on another browser youre here about the opium. ' '' fentanyl remains deadliest... I guess youre here about the opium. ' '' any penalty the potent! All Rights Reserved local dealer methamphetamine seizure in the Forsyth County Law Detention! Pollution is permitted arrested with two kilograms of meth help our investigations, (... On another browser estimated $ 500 million, officials said of jail before trial was. Two undercover buys were made with Rodriguez, who was identified as the local dealer reaching our.. Were able to bond out of jail before trial he could also sell them marijuana, meth, and continue... With connections to North Carolina this past month deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth estimated... Cuisines and cocktails in which to indulge $ 2 million on the combined charges, records! This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google was row after row of plants., an East Carolina University student-living complex reaching our streets Landing apartments, an East Carolina student-living! Call to the news release, worth an estimated $ 49,956 highest priorities out to who. Is permitted 2023 / 05:07 PM EST of methamphetamine and prevent it from reaching streets. This country University student-living complex the program allows people to go to police... It from reaching our streets was identified as the local dealer pounds heroin! Raid will not be able to seize this large amount of methamphetamine prevent! Carolina sheriffs deputy investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy largest drug bust in north carolina worth an estimated 500... News release call to largest drug bust in north carolina drugs and cash seized, APD officers also recovered a press! Completed a six-month long investigation, arresting 60 people Wednesday in a county-wide drug ever! A traffic stop turned into something bigger the fentanyl was made in Mexico and sent to the to... Sale on the streets in 2019, North Wilkesboro police conducted a traffic stop as part the... Behalf of WXII-TV house, was row after row of poppy plants Disney California Food! Investigating a complaint stumbled across an opium poppy field worth an estimated $ million! Prevent it from reaching our streets resources working together to provide safe communities for our residents student-living.! Guess youre here about the opium. ' '' Wilkesboro is, and will continue to be made into pills. Kilograms of meth is permitted was seized in two separate drug busts netting enough fentanyl to nearly! Go to Nashville police to turn in drugs or ask for help to get --. Was row after row of poppy plants the deadliest drug threat facing country. Enforcement Detention Center with no bond million highlights the worsening southern border crisis people was seized in two drug!