The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) executed a search warrant in Woodfin, N.C., resulting in the arrest of a woman and the seizure of drugs and an illegal firearm, highlighting the connection between illegal firearms and drug trafficking in Western North Carolina.
Operation Details
The search warrant was executed on February 18 on Dryman Valley Road by members of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT). The operation involved collaboration between the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee, the Woodfin Police Department, and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office K-9 unit.
Seized Evidence and Charges
During the search, authorities recovered 5.43 pounds of methamphetamine, 38.4 grams of tar heroin, 17 grams of psilocybin, a Jennings .22 handgun, and $29,659 in U.S. currency.
Anna Marie Viruet-North, 60, was arrested and charged with trafficking in opium/heroin (fentanyl) by possession (Level III), trafficking in methamphetamine by possession (Level III), maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver psilocybin (Schedule I), and possession of a firearm by a felon. Viruet-North is currently being held in the custody of the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force is working to combat drug-related crime in Buncombe County.