BCSO IGRANT Operation Nets Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Arrests

Buncombe County -- August 21, 2026: On August 14th, members of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Special Response Team (SRT) and Animal Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at the Dogwood Court Apartments in East Asheville.

The action followed an extended investigation into a regional drug trafficking organization conducted by the BCSO Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT). The operation led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of trafficking quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, along with more than $16,000 in cash.

Evidence Seized

• 50.6 grams of Fentanyl

• 30.1 grams of Cocaine

• More than $16,000 in U.S. currency

• Drug paraphernalia items

Individuals Charged

• Kyleigh Aprile Klein-Rude

  • Trafficking by Possession Fentanyl Lv. III

  • Trafficking by Manufacturing Fentanyl Lv. III

  • Trafficking by Possession Cocaine Lv. I

  • Trafficking by Manufacturing Cocaine Lv. I

  • PWIMSD Cocaine (Possession With Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver)

  • PWIMSD Fentanyl

  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

• Don Wesley Honeycutt

• Trafficking by Possession Fentanyl Lv. III

• Trafficking by Manufacturing Fentanyl Lv. III

• Trafficking by Possession Cocaine Lv. I

• Trafficking by Manufacturing Cocaine Lv. I

• PWIMSD Cocaine

• PWIMSD Fentanyl

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

What is the BCSO IGRANT Operation?

IGRANT stands for the Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force. It is a specialized unit created by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office to target organized drug networks, illegal firearms trafficking, and the distribution of illicit narcotics throughout the area.

• Targeting Trafficking Networks: Conducts extended, targeted investigations to disrupt and dismantle local drug distribution operations.

• Seizing Dangerous Narcotics: Focuses on removing high-potency, dangerous drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine from the streets.

• Illegal Firearm Reduction: Works to identify and confiscate illegal weapons associated with criminal drug enterprises.

• Coordinated Enforcement: Executes tactical operations and search warrants alongside internal specialized units and partner law enforcement agencies.