Murphy – Three people were arrested, and narcotics and related paraphernalia were seized, after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant at a local home on Feb. 20.
The residence belonging to Adrian Nicklas Ball was part of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity in the area, according to a sheriff’s release.
During the search of his residence, investigators recovered about 20 grams of methamphetamine along with items consistent with drug distribution and use.
The investigation, which has spanned several months, identified Ball as a key figure in the sale and delivery of narcotics within Cherokee County, the release says.
The following individuals were arrested and charged in the search warrant:
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Adrian Nicklas Ball, 48, of Murphy, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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Christy A. Cantrell, 33, of Murphy, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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Justin Lee Phillips, 36, of Murphy, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Ball and Cantrell each received a $20,000 secured bond, while Phillips was assigned a $10,000 secured bond. All three posted bond and were released shortly after their arrests.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report suspicious activity related to drug trafficking to call 828-837-2589, submitting tips anonymously at 828-837-1344 or email crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.