Asheville police made a drug trafficking arrest at Pisgah View Apartments in West Asheville after responding to a trespassing call, highlighting the connection between minor offenses and larger drug issues.
On February 20, 2026, officers from the Asheville Police Department responded to a report of trespassing at the Pisgah View Apartments, a public housing complex operated by the Asheville Housing Authority. Upon arrival around 3:30 p.m., they encountered Brandon Matthew Byford, 37, who was prohibited from being on the property.
Byford was arrested and charged with second-degree trespass. During the arrest, officers seized 45.41 grams of fentanyl and 11.65 grams of methamphetamine, quantities that led to additional charges.
Charges Filed
Byford faces multiple charges, including:
Felony trafficking in fentanyl
Felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver fentanyl
Felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine
Felony manufacture, sell, deliver, or possess a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Second-degree trespass
Resisting a public officer
Byford was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility and is being held without bond, ineligible for release by a magistrate.
The arrest underscores concerns about drug activity in the west Asheville community. Asheville Police encourage residents to report suspected illegal drug activity by calling 828-252-1110, texting TIP2APD to 847411, or using the TIP2APD app for anonymous submissions.
No further updates were available beyond the initial arrest reports.