Rutherford County -- January 31, 2026: A multi-week investigation triggered by a tragic overdose has resulted in a significant narcotics seizure and a firearm recovery in Rutherford County.
The sequence of events began on October 31, 2025, when deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Boiling Springs Road in Mooresboro regarding a possible overdose. Upon arrival, emergency responders and deputies administered immediate medical aid. The individual was rushed to Atrium Health–Cleveland County but unfortunately passed away later at the facility.
Following the death, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) launched a formal inquiry into the source of the substances involved.
Joint Operation and Search Warrant Execution
The investigation reached a turning point on November 19, 2025. Working in coordination, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office ACE Team and CID conducted a follow-up operation that led them to the Harris community.
Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Country Home Drive, where they uncovered a substantial cache of illegal drugs and a weapon. The items seized during the search included:
1,600 pressed fentanyl pills (weighing approximately 192 grams)
28 grams of fentanyl powder
One 9mm handgun
As a result of that investigation, Amanda Blake Smith, of Forest City, NC, was arrested and charged with the following:
(2) counts of Trafficking Opium or Heroin
Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for a Controlled Substance
Possession of Marijuana (up to ½ ounce)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Smith was issued a $1,000,000 secured bond on those charges on November 19, 2025.
As the investigation continued over the following months, investigators gathered additional evidence related to the death. On January 29, 2026, Smith was additionally charged with Second-Degree Murder and Death by Distribution.
Smith will receive a bond for these new charges after she goes before a judicial official.
*Suspect is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WNCTimes