NORTH CAROLINA — Six people are facing charges following a years-long investigation that led to what authorities say is the largest fentanyl seizure in the history of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
On April 16, deputies, along with agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Asheville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed three search warrants at homes in Buncombe County. The operation targeted what officials described as a large-scale drug trafficking network.
Authorities searched residences on Roper Street in Candler, as well as Mardell Circle and Dartmouth Street in Asheville.
During the searches, investigators seized approximately 6.22 pounds of fentanyl, 2.03 pounds of cocaine, and 125.3 grams of methamphetamine. Additional items recovered included nearly one pound of marijuana, 30 grams of ecstasy, a handgun, more than $20,000 in cash, and various drug paraphernalia.
Those charged in connection with the investigation include Henry Moreland, Kissy Michele Mills, Sierra Astrid Blalock, Dakota Salene Gearin, Brian Moreland, and Kristy Rae Wilson. Charges range from trafficking and conspiracy to traffic controlled substances to money laundering and maintaining a dwelling for drug distribution.
Officials said the amount of drugs seized could have been converted into at least 50,000 individual dosage units.
Buncombe County District 2 Captain Chris Stockton said the impact of removing that volume of drugs from the community is significant.
“When you consider that roughly 48 of the counties in North Carolina have populations of less than 50,000 people, the positive impact this investigation has on our community is staggering,” Stockton said in a statement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
