ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department recovered a heap of contraband in a coordinated arrest effort in a west Asheville neighborhood.
In a joint operation between APD officers, detectives, supervisors, staff and the U.S. Marshals Service on Friday, May 2, law enforcement was able to arrest Jahad Marquise Craig, 23, Damion Keire Smith Jr., 22, and Damon Tyriq Smith Jr., 21.
During the arrest, officers seized 199.27 grams of fentanyl, $943.70 and seven guns, including one which was stolen, along with a stolen dirt bike
“This coordinated effort was launched in direct response to recent community concerns and intelligence related to robberies, assaults, illegal firearms and drug activity,” wrote APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice in a press release.
Craig was charged with felony counts of:
- Possession of firearm by felon
- Probation violation x2
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Possession of firearm by felon
- Trafficking in cocaine
- Disclosing private images
Craig was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond.
Damion Smith Jr. was charged with a felony count of:
- Trafficking opium or heroin
Damion Smith Jr. was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $10,000 secured bond and released after posting bail.
Damon Smith Jr. was charged with:
- Driving while license revoked
Damon Smith Jr. was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a Written Promise to Appear and released.
This investigation is ongoing and will likely result in additional firearm and drug-related charges.
If you have any information about illegal gun or drug activity, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD app or by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411.