Andrews – Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies and detectives, along with K9 Deputy Bane, executed search warrants at three separate locations in the area on Nov. 19.
The warrants were the result of a continuing investigation into the trafficking and distribution of narcotics within Cherokee County and focused on targeting those dealers. A large amount of methamphetamine and MDMA was seized. MDMA, also known as “Molly” or “ecstasy,” is not only pushed on adults, it is also marketed and pushed toward children.
“These operations put a huge dent in the illegal drug trade in Cherokee County,” Sheriff Derrick Palmer said in a release. “As we continue our fight, we are always appreciative of citizen help and encourage our citizens to continue to report all types of illegal activity. Teamwork is what will continue to be effective in our community’s fight against the illegal and dangerous drug trade.”
At an address on U.S. 19 Business, officials recovered 25 ounces of methamphetamine and 229 doses of MDMA. Arrested and expecting to have their first court hearings on Nov. 24 were:
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- Valerie Mashburn, who was charged with maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance and placed under on $5,000 unsecure bond.
- Amber Gunnels, who was charged with trafficking in schedule 1 MDMA and felony possession of methamphetamine, and placed under a $100,150 secure bond.
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Another offender, who remains at large, has been charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of schedule 1 MDMA.
At an address on Graham Street, officials recovered 11 ounces of meth, 4.8 grams of cocaine and $6,128 in cash.
Arrested and expecting to have their first court hearings on Nov. 24 were:
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- Rebecca Dehart, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and placed under a $200,000 secure bond.
- Michael Rattler, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and felony possession of cocaine, and placed under a $200,000 secure bond.
- Brandon Matthews, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, and placed under a $200,000 secure bond.
At an address on Junaluska Road, officials recovered seven ounces of meth, 14 doses of MDMA and 2.5 grams of buprenorphine hydrochloride.
Arrested and expecting to have their first court hearings on Nov. 24 were:
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- Michael Christopher Ferguson, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of schedule III, and placed under a $170,000 secure bond.
- Candice Brooke Cole, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of schedule III, and placed under a $150,000 secure bond.
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, call 837-1344 or submit a tip via email to crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.