Cherokee County Sheriffs and Deputies recover drugs, guns, cash in Andrews
Murphy, NC—On Friday November 19, 2021 Cherokee County Detectives and Deputies along with K9 Deputy Bane executed
search warrants at three separate locations in the Andrews area. The warrants were the result of a continuing investigation into the trafficking and distribution of narcotics within Cherokee County and focused on targeting those dealers. A large amount of methamphetamine and MDMA was seized. MDMA, also known as “Molly” or “Ecstasy” is not only pushed on adults it is also marketed and pushed toward our children. Below, I have included a list of items seized and individuals taken into custody.
Business 19 Andrews:
25 Ounces of Methamphetamine and 229 doses of MDMA were seized. Arrested:
Valerie Mashburn charged with Maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance. $5,000 unsecure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Amber Gunnels charged with Trafficking in schedule 1 MDMA and Felony possession of Methamphetamine. $100,150.00 secure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
1 offender remains at large and has been charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and possession of schedule 1 MDMA.
Graham Street traffic stop/search warrant:
11 ounces of Methamphetamine and 4.8 grams of cocaine and $6,128.00 were seized.
Rebecca Dehart is charged with trafficking methamphetamine and PWIMSD Methamphetamine. $200,000.00 secure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Michael Rattler is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, PWIMSD and felony possession of cocaine. $200,000.00 secure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Brandon Matthews is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, PWIMSD and maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. $200,000.00 secure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Junaluska Rd warrant:
7 Ounces of Methamphetamine, 14 doses of MDMA and 2.5 Grams of Buprenorphine Hydrochloride were seized.
Michael Christopher Ferguson charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of schedule III. $170,000.00 secure bond. 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Candice Brooke Cole charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of MDMA and possession of schedule III. $150,000.00 secure bond, 11/24/2021 Cherokee County Court date.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “These operations put a huge dent in the illegal drug trade in Cherokee County. As we continue our fight we are always appreciative of citizen help and encourage our citizens to continue to report all types of illegal activity. Team work is what will continue to be effective in our community’s fight against the illegal and dangerous drug trade.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.
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