ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies has led to the takedown of what authorities described as a major drug trafficking operation spanning Western North Carolina and parts of South Carolina, officials announced this week.

Dubbed Operation Uptown Funk, the yearlong investigation resulted in more than 30 arrests, the seizure of large quantities of illegal narcotics and the recovery of 20 firearms, many of which were illegally possessed.

The probe was spearheaded by Buncombe County’s Illegal Gun Reduction Task Force, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Henderson County Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement unit, with assistance from several local and federal agencies.

Keith Howard was arrested Wednesday, May 28, at a residence on Hyde Park Place in Arden. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking in cocaine.

“The efforts demonstrated by the investigators working this case are a true testament to public safety,” said Capt. Dustan Auldredge of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. “We are proud of our partnerships with neighboring law enforcement agencies that help reduce crime within our communities.”

Authorities identified Tyrone Featherstone, 44, and Andre Whiteside, 51, both of Hendersonville, as the alleged ringleaders of the operation. Investigators said the pair directed a violent drug trafficking organization that supplied methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout the region, contributing to numerous overdoses and firearms violations.

On May 28, law enforcement executed 10 search warrants across Henderson, Buncombe and Greenville counties, seizing trafficking-level quantities of narcotics.

In total, investigators recovered:

  • $177,437 in cash
  • More than 7.5 pounds of suspected crack/cocaine
  • More than 8 pounds of suspected methamphetamine
  • More than 1 pound of suspected fentanyl
  • More than 14 pounds of marijuana
  • 20 firearms

Agencies assisting in the operation included sheriff’s offices from Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, and Transylvania counties; police departments from Asheville and Hendersonville; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and sheriff’s offices from Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina.

Authorities said the Featherstone/Whiteside group was a primary supplier of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in the area.

“The takedown marks a major victory in ongoing efforts to combat the drug crisis and hold drug traffickers accountable,” the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force said it will continue to target individuals and groups responsible for trafficking and gun violence in the community.