NORTH CAROLINA — Asheville police charged 16 people and seized large quantities of narcotics, a handgun, and nearly $12,000 in cash during a multi-agency operation targeting illegal drug activity in West Asheville.
The weeks-long investigation concluded Dec. 3–4, when detectives with the Asheville Police Department, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, carried out coordinated enforcement actions. Police said the operation was launched in response to numerous complaints from community members about ongoing drug activity in the area.
Authorities reported seizing 54.41 grams of crack cocaine, 195.54 grams of fentanyl, 705.13 grams of water-cut fentanyl, 3.3 grams of methamphetamine, 12.72 grams of marijuana, $11,850 in cash, and a Taurus semi-automatic handgun.
Those arrested face a wide range of charges, including felony drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell, maintaining dwellings for drug activity, conspiracy, identity theft, probation violations, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Several individuals were charged with felony fentanyl trafficking and maintaining dwellings used for drug distribution.
Police said the operation involved every division and specialty unit within the Asheville Police Department, making it one of the largest law enforcement actions conducted in the city this year.
Residents with information about illegal drug or firearm activity are encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110, submit an anonymous tip through the TIP2APD smartphone app, or text TIP2APD to 847411.
