The special operation, which included detectives and officers from the APD, agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms (ATF), and members of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (BCSO IGRANT), was initiated specifically to address recent community concerns regarding illicit drug and gun activity in the area.
Key Results of the Joint Action
The multi-agency task force, operating throughout the afternoon, successfully curtailed illegal activity. The operation culminated in:
Four arrests made in connection with the activity.
The seizure of seven firearms.
The seizure of narcotics (type and quantity unspecified in the initial release).
"The joint operation was initiated in response to recent community complaints and concerns about illicit drug and gun activity," the Asheville Police Department stated in a press release.
Arrests: Kuron Christopher Grant (11/04/2002), Sadiq Mafia Devoe Jones (01/06/2002), Michael Anothony Tate (07/06/1960), and a juvenile were arrested, and 26.91 grams of crack cocaine and 7 guns, including an AK-47 and a Glock pistol with a switch, were seized.
Arrested:
Kuron Christopher Grant (11/04/2002)
(F) Possession Schedule II
(F) Probation Violation x4
(M) Second Degree Trespass x4
Grant was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $39,000 (or $3,900 to a bondsman) secured bond issued by a magistrate.
Sadiq Mafia Devoe Jones (01/06/2002)
Open Warrant: Federal
Jones was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under NO BOND (ineligible for release) due to a Federal Warrant.
Michael Anothony Tate (07/06/1960)
(F) Maintain a Vehicle/Dwelling for Controlled Substances
Tate was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $5,000 (or $500 to a bondsman) secured bond issued by a magistrate.
The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the members of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. The investigation is ongoing with additional conspiracy, firearms, and narcotics charges expected.
If you have any information about illegal gun and drug activity, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store).
Note: The name of one arrestee will not be listed because of being a juvenile. The juvenile has been turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.
WNCTimes