ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Authorities in Haywood County have arrested several individuals in connection with ongoing drug trafficking investigations, according to a statement Tuesday from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
Over the past several months, the department’s Crime Suppression Unit has carried out a series of operations targeting drug trafficking in the region, resulting in numerous felony charges and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs.
Among those arrested:
Willie James Davis, 49, of Candler, was charged with two counts of trafficking opium or heroin after deputies reportedly seized more than 27 grams of suspected fentanyl.
Erica Locust, 31, of Andrews, was first arrested on two counts of trafficking Schedule II controlled substances involving more than 27 grams of suspected fentanyl. She was arrested again a week later on additional charges of conspiracy to traffic opium or heroin and trafficking more than 26 grams of suspected fentanyl.
Sunny Ann Caudle, 48, of Bryson City, was arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court related to methamphetamine trafficking charges. Authorities said she was initially found in possession of more than 460 grams of methamphetamine.
In a separate incident, a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Canton led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of about 79 grams of fentanyl, 9 grams of crack cocaine and 5 grams of methamphetamine.
Joseph Malon Hylton, 45, of Candler, faces multiple charges, including two counts of trafficking opium or heroin, conspiracy to traffic opium or heroin and maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances. He also faces charges related to the sale and delivery of LSD and Schedule II substances and misdemeanor fleeing to elude arrest.
Adrian Maurice Jones, 45, of Asheville, was charged with trafficking opium or heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver (PWIMSD) Schedule I and II substances and several conspiracy charges involving the distribution of LSD, Schedule II and Schedule VI substances.
Jeremy Ryan Clontz, 42, of Asheville, was charged with conspiracy to traffic opium or heroin and multiple conspiracy counts related to the sale and delivery of LSD and other controlled substances.
“These arrests demonstrate the ongoing commitment of our deputies to combat the trafficking of dangerous narcotics—particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine—throughout our county,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post. “The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard the community and hold offenders accountable.”
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.