Saldana, now 50, is serving a life sentencein a Kentucky federalprison forconspiracy to distribute meth and possession of an unregistered firearm. The efforts highlighted in the more than 600 arrests nationwide are illustrative of the significant reach the CJNG has in manufacturing, importing and distributing a wide array of illegal narcotics within the United States and the negative impact on the fabric of our local communities. All four were due in Caldwell County District Court on Tuesday. This announcement marks the successful conclusion of six months of investigative and enforcement activity targeting CJNG, culminating in large scale arrests throughout the country within the past week. Copyright 2015 WBTV. shooting in hickory, nc last night; ioniq 5 relaxation seats; missing girl in phoenix arizona 2021; no credit check apartments in pooler, ga; cash paying jobs long island, ny. The 9 others arrested on state warrants were taken to the Catawba County jail and will have a first appearance before a District Court judge later this week. Local, state and federal agents in this mountainous regionhave seized more than 200 kilograms of meth, dozens of guns and more than $1 million in cash and assets, said Chris Healy, special agent in charge of Homeland Security based in Charlotte. CJNG is one of the fastest growing transnational criminal organizations in Mexico, and among the most prolific methamphetamine producers in the world. The investigation included the arrest of street level and major drug dealers throughout Robeson County, according to the sheriff's office. Local law enforcement agencies that participated in the operation included the Catawba County Sheriffs Office, Alexander County Sheriffs Office and the Hickory, Newton, Lincolnton and Maiden police departments. His connectiongavehimacode to open a hidden safe full of drugsinside the vehicle, Williamssaid. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). It was Williamswho started staking outSaldana'spropertyin 2010, often watching from the woods or taking down vehicletagscoming and going. Another man, who also liked drugs, was the in-house cook and Roger Dales all-night pool partner. Todd Phillip Rader, 38, was arrested and charged with one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute methamphetamine, manufacture of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. I will get it for you.. The couplegot their meth from different places. One dead following crash on Hwy. Her first court appearance was Thursday. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina, Six Defendants Have Been Prosecuted in Western North Carolina in 2020, DEA-Led Operation Nets More Than 600 Arrests Targeting Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, Previously Convicted Methamphetamine And Fentanyl Dealer Is Sentenced To 12+ Years In Prison, Last Defendant In Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring Is Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Prison, Methamphetamine Wholesaler Is Sentenced To More Than 15 Years In Prison. All the charges relate to guns or drugs or both. Investigations conducted by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division and Special Enforcement Group (SEG) led to the execution of two search warrants at residential properties on 28th St NE in Hickory. According to Hickory Police, multiple law enforcement agencies from across the. Ramseur is charged with two felony counts apiece of trafficking in cocaine and conspire to traffic in cocaine along with single felony counts of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a felon. Opening statements are expected to begin on Tuesday, Justin Jackson has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting at a QuikTrip in Greer last Friday. Please subscribe to keep reading. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The single-lane street he lived on wassurrounded by woods,with only two houses in view, a single-wide and an abandoned trailer. Ive known Bones since I was 16,and I got tired of tracking him down. During the course of this investigation a handgun was seized from Ramseur, a convicted felon. October 29, 2020 at 1:04 pm EDT. Catawba #1 FTA; FELONY LARCENY. She was given a $150,000 bond. The man's indictment comes from a Nov. 9, 2022, seizure by Lincoln County Sheriff's narcotics officers. And we try to set the right example for them.". The Hickory Daily Record is a daily newspaper located in Hickory, North Carolina in Catawba County. Ivonne Hernandez, 30, was arrested for allegedly selling large quantities of crack cocaine in Charlotte, NC and South Carolina. All rights reserved. LENOIR, NC (WBTV) - Four people were arrested on drug charges after a search at a Lenoir hotel Monday, according to police. Pearson was going 55 mph in a 35-mph zone, deputies said. A gunsmith who liked cocaine would handmake their bullets, Lisa Dawn said. . It was a no-brainer, especially given that she didn't know her boyfriend's connections included the powerful CJNG cartel. . 2023www.courier-journal.com. drug bust hickory, nc. During the investigation, authorities say they seized the following: 272.8 grams of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Agency led the operation with assistance from several other agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Secret Service and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Apple City Broadcasting ASHEVILLE - A March fentanyl bust in Buncombe and Mecklenburg counties used a high-level wiretap and netted enough of the potent drug to kill the entire state population, according to . The cases in Western North Carolina are the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Hernandez-Landeiro and Furlough were each charged with three counts apiece of conspire to traffic in cocaine. Katelyn and Sarah Lothrop were nabbed early this . Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The burlap was sown into the seams of Asian clothing, which were packaged in plastic and shipped from Saraburi area in Thailand to Hickory. Their fate came only a few months beforetime ran out as well forLisa Dawn and Roger Dale. Investigators said the $2 . This ruthless Mexican cartel has evolved into a powerful drug syndicate that floods urban and rural communities in the Western District and throughout our nation with enormous quantities of powerful narcotics. Residents do feel threatened, and offering an opinion in a culture where snitching carries consequences means hiding ones face. Not sure where the 17 came from, but 76 is the number of individuals the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force was seeking in its latest massive drug bust. Hehasrefused to cooperate with authorities. 2023 Cox Media Group. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office seized dozens of pounds of weed, a massive amount of cocaine, pills and other drugs during a traffic stop on March 4. The other 75%, they usually dont. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The Justice Department and its law enforcement partners are committed to fulfilling the Presidents Executive Order 13773 to identify, interdict, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. HICKORY, N.C. - Nearly two dozen people were indicted in a drug trafficking bust in Catawba County this week. Nunnenkamp,now 46,toldpolice he helped distributenearly 8pounds of meth at $20,000 a pound at Bennetts direction and helped count and package $120,000 to pay for more shipments from the Texas supplier. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Kenneth Bennett and JeremyNunnenkampforged anothermain connection tothe border that linked CJNG meth to the region in2012 and 2013 before they got busted, according to law enforcement. HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - A seven month long undercover sting operation in Hickory has led to federal indictments against 19 people and state charges against 9 others. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. "We're tired of seeing good people hurt, and are personally and professionally fed up. Methseizuresalong theMexicanborder increased 255% fromabout 8,400 kilos in2012 to30,000 in2017,according to Drug Enforcement Administration data. An undercover human trafficking and prostitution investigation led to 19 arrests, according to the Alamance County sheriff. As Saldanas small empire crumbled toward the end of 2012, another alreadywaswell underway. A federal jury convictedRoger Dale in July 2015 for drug trafficking and possession of firearms. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Hickory Police Department have partnered with the Catawba County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Division in this investigation. It was the power. BOND: $5000 #3 HABITUAL LARCENY. CHARLOTTE, N.C. The Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today announced the results of Project Python, a DEA-led interagency operation encompassing all global investigations and related disruption activities targeting the Crtel de Jalisco Nueva Generacin (CJNG). Hernandez-Landeiro and Furlough were each charged with three counts apiece of conspire to traffic in cocaine. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office said it received several community complaints in May regarding potential drug trafficking operations selling large amounts of methamphetamine in the. ', The company announced it plans for "an orderly wind-down" of operations through early summer and will be releasing more information about rewa. April 12, 2023 nebraska drug bust 2021. It didnt makeuserssick like homemade shake and bakemeth did,Lisa Dawn remembered. The goal of the investigation was to reduce gun violence that often comes with illegal drugs. Drug bust involving 3 Longview homes nets 8 arrests. Jose Velasquez, 35, a Mexican national residing in Charlotte, N.C., has been charged with drug trafficking conspiracy; international money laundering; possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Project Python has resulted more than 600 arrests, 350 indictments, as well as significant seizures of money and drugs. Somebody would tell me, I got a hot water heater out here thats about brand new, can I trade it for a bag of dope? OK.Redneck drug dealing, I guess.. There have been countless drug and cocaine bust in and around Charlotte. 152 W in Rowan County, 13-year-old gets trapped in claw machine at Carowinds after attempting to steal, Kannapolis man wins $1M, his second big lottery prize of 2023, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In 2020, within Western North Carolina, six defendants have been prosecuted to date, in connection with the initiative: Project Python marks the most comprehensive action to date in the Department of Justices campaign to disrupt, dismantle, and ultimately destroy CJNG, said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Criminal Division. The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously fight this scourge against the United States. Phoua Khang Yang, 33, Ze Vang, 37, Mang Khang, 39, Ma Chang, 37, and Chue Yang, 37, were arrested in the sweep. Joshua Norman Chandler, 32, was arrested and charged with one count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute methamphetamine, one count of manufacture of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 12 avril 2023 Endangered wolf matriarch known for prowess dies in North Carolina. Fourteen people were arrested as part of a methamphetamine trafficking ring and 11 are from Catawba County. Ashley Dawn Mudd, 23, was arrested and charged with one count of trafficking in opium/heroin. Suspects were taken to the Hickory Police Department with those facing federal charges being transported in groups to Federal Court in Charlotte for an appearance before a judge. "The 16 individuals charged in the criminal indictment are alleged to have been part of a drug ring that distributed methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana in Western North Carolina," said U.S. Attorney Murray. Lisa Dawn recalled the night she and Roger Dale got arrested. That case stopped with him, but he was connected to the CJNG.. Asheville:(828) 271-4661. The wolf was a matriarch that reared 14 pups and ensured the longevity of her pack later in life, according to the Red Wolf Recovery Program. Sheunderstands the hold the cartels super drugs have on the region, and a surplus of would-be dealers eager tofollow in her footsteps no matter thedanger. Email: kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com. Main Office: The Hickory Crawdads will soon be under new ownership. Chandler received a $150,000 bond. Regional theater faces financial worries, Omega Sports announces plans to close all of its stores, UPDATE: People in Kernersville remember plane crash victim as a good neighbor, 'very witty and smart. Tweet. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Less than a decade old,MexicosCrtelJalisco NuevaGeneracin,better known as CJNG,hasfought its way to takeits place among the worlds largest drug networks, led by its ruthlessbutdisciplined leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as "ElMencho.". Several members of a multi-million dollar Mexican drug cartel had stash houses in Charlotte. Juan and Raymundo Villarreal are additionally charged with attempt to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. 6/29/21 5pm Drug Arrest: Catawba County Sheriff's Office released information on a recent arrest of a local methamphetamine trafficker. Once the cartel brings a huge load across and throws it out there for everyone to sell, its out of their hands. Jeffrey Dale Watson, Bennett's roommate,was sentenced to 15 months in prison and released in September 2014. Drug Enforcement Agency agent enters a house in southeast Hickory on Wednesday morning. My office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to bringing members of this drug trafficking organization to justice, and disrupting CJNGs drug trafficking networks in Western North Carolina, said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray. More than 100,000 people across the country died of overdoses between April 2020 and April 2021. Additionally, DEA has worked with its interagency partners to apply further pressure to CJNG. When President Trump signed an Executive Order prioritizing the dismantlement of transnational criminal organizations, the Department of Justice answered the call and took direct aim at CJNG. During the search, investigators say 20 grams of methamphetamine, two grams of marijuana, 172 grams of liquid hydrocodone, $1,570 in cash and one Smith and Wesson .22 caliber pistol were seized. Photo courtesy of Catawba County Sheriff's Office It was the power and money associated with selling meth that kept her by Roger Dales side. Across the country,the trend was similar. One mural is in the works for the Art Center downtown, pending city approval. The first and biggest bust occurred on Oct. 12 when Mario Alberto Castro Solache, 29, of Raleigh; Pedro Mondragon . Bennett made his connection to the cartel while he was locked up in Louisiana. It was named for Sir George Carteret, one of the 17th century English Lords Proprietor, or for his descendant and heir John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Thirty-five people are facing charges in reference to a long-term investigation into the sale and use of illicit narcotics in Alexander County and the town of Taylorsville. + Caption. "Some of the people may face life in prison if convicted," said Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins. Bennett's girlfriend, Tammy Wynette Woody, did not stand byher man. This strategic strike against this Mexico-based cartel is just the beginning of an all-out assault against this ruthless organization, said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. Once in Charlotte,cartel members wouldsend drugs to other North Carolina counties, as well as Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina, Healy said. Narcotics officers also seized drugs including: powdered heroin, black tar heroin, marijuana, Fentanyl, methamphetamine, Alprazolam, amphetamine, clonazepam, hydrocodone, morphine, escitalopram,. HJORT, ARTHUR MORGAN | 2023-04-11 17:18:00 Carteret County, North Carolina Booking. We would get out of the car and the Mexican guys that we never met put the drugs in the car and picked up the money and walked away, Lisa Dawn said. Investigators with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on March 4 along 11th Street Circle Northwest after observing a speeding violation. 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