BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A months-long joint investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization has led to the arrest of an Arden man on multiple drug-related charges, authorities said.
Warren Dane Cox was taken into custody on Feb. 18 during a traffic stop near his residence, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office announced. Investigators later executed a search warrant at his home on Mallard Run Drive, seizing 1.7 pounds of fentanyl and a firearm.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal. The amount confiscated in the investigation is estimated to contain roughly 385,553 potentially fatal doses.
Cox faces multiple felony charges, including Level III trafficking in fentanyl by possession, Level II trafficking in fentanyl by transport, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver (PWIMSD) heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and psilocybin. He is also charged with maintaining a dwelling and vehicle for drug-related activity, driving while license revoked (DWLR), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The arrest was part of a joint effort between the Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Asheville.
“Anytime a seizure of this magnitude takes place, Buncombe County becomes a safer place to live,” said BCSO District 1 Captain Elliot Summey.
Officials say IGRANT remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and encourages the public to report drug-related activity through the sheriff’s office website at buncombesheriff.com.