ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police say they have made the largest fentanyl seizure in Buncombe County history following an investigation that led to the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker.
The Asheville Police Department said detectives arrested Jesse Milton Ogletree Jr., 37, on April 22 on Gashes Creek Road after receiving information through the Tip411 anonymous reporting system. At the time of his arrest, police said Ogletree was in possession of a trafficking quantity of fentanyl.
A follow-up search warrant led investigators to seize approximately 33.249 pounds of narcotics, eight firearms and $13,582 in cash. Police also reported recovering equipment they say was consistent with large-scale drug distribution.
In total, authorities said they confiscated about 8.03 kilograms of suspected fentanyl — equivalent to more than 4 million potentially lethal doses — along with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and pressed pills.
Among the weapons seized, police reported a short-barreled rifle with a suppressor and drum magazine, four semi-automatic shotguns and three handguns, including a Polymer 80 “ghost gun.”
Ogletree is charged with multiple counts of felony trafficking in fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, along with possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a felon and other drug and weapons charges.
He is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $60,000 secured bond set by a magistrate.
Police credited community tips submitted through the TIP2APD system for aiding the investigation and encouraged the public to report suspected drug activity anonymously.