Following an investigation involving surveillance and intelligence gathering, a search warrant was executed at the residence on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025.
As a result of the search, the following items were seized:
25 grams of powder fentanyl
Multiple items of drug paraphernalia
$345 in U.S. currency
Multiple cell phones
Two individuals were arrested on-scene:
John Earl Strickland, of Forest City
Charged with:
Trafficking in Opium or Heroin
Maintaining a Vehicle/Dwelling/Place for Controlled Substances
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $200,000 secured
Angellica Dawn Ruppe, of Forest City
Charged with:
Trafficking in Opium or Heroin
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond: $100,000 secured
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.
Image: WNCTimes