Culberson – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit has arrested and charged Kwantez Marquis Tobe of Asheville with multiple counts of opioid trafficking and resisting law enforcement.
This arrest is part of sheriff’s office’s commitment to combatting the opioid crisis in Cherokee County and preventing the harm these dangerous substances can inflict on our community, according to a release.
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On Oct. 22, Kwantez Marquis Tobe was apprehended by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and charged with trafficking in opioids by possession (fentanyl), trafficking in opioids by sale/delivery (fentanyl), trafficking in opioids by transportation (fentanyl), sell/deliver schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and resisting a public officer.
Law enforcement recovered about 45 grams of fentanyl from Tobe at the time of his arrest. To put this in perspective, this amount of fentanyl has the lethal potential to claim more than 450 lives. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, and even a small quantity can be fatal, underscoring the criti-cal importance of stopping these substances from reaching our streets.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that Tobe initially provided a false identity to law enforcement. Through diligent investigative efforts, the team uncovered Tobe’s true identity and discovered that he was wanted on several outstanding warrants, including charges related to violent crimes, and was classified as a fugitive from justice.
“The apprehension of Kwantez Marquis Tobe marks a significant step in our battle against the opioid epidemic that continues to endanger lives across Cherokee County,” Sheriff Dustin Smith said. “Our team is resolute in their efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those who bring these deadly substances into our community. We remain vigilant in working to make Cherokee County a safe place for all.”
He also thanked the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to report suspicious activity or suspected drug-related incidents. Anonymous tips can be submitted our dedicated tip line at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or calling 828-837-2589.
Details: Visit cherokeecounty-nc.gov/269/Sheriffs-Office.