Jackson County -- May 13, 2026: WHITTIER, NC — A routine patrol in northern Jackson County resulted in a significant narcotics seizure and the arrest of a Swain County man early Monday morning.
The Traffic Stop
In the early hours of May 11, 2026, Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the Whittier/Qualla Boundary area. During the patrol, Corporal Jarrett Shuler conducted a stop on a Dodge Avenger for observed traffic infractions on Shoal Creek Road.
While interviewing the occupants of the vehicle, deputies noted "furtive movements" from the passengers, raising suspicion that illegal activity may be occurring.
K-9 Intervention and Search
To assist with the investigation, Corporal Shuler requested backup from Sgt. Josh Geiger of the Sylva Police Department and his K-9 partner, Brody. Upon arrival, K-9 Brody performed an open-air sniff and provided a positive alert for the presence of narcotics within the vehicle.
A subsequent search by law enforcement uncovered a variety of illegal substances and currency:
13 grams of suspected Fentanyl
6 grams of suspected Methamphetamine
2.5 dosage units of a Schedule III Controlled Substance
18 grams of suspected marijuana
$600 in US currency
Arrest and Charges
Jessie McClennon Watty, of Swain County, was taken into custody following the search. He faces a litany of charges related to the discovery:
Trafficking Fentanyl (2 counts)
Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Fentanyl
Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine
Simple Possession of Marijuana
Simple Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Watty is currently being held at the Jackson County Detention Center without bond.