MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two people were arrested in a drug bust that netted about $3.8 million worth of methamphetamine and about 20 weapons. The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office announced the drug trafficking arrests Friday.

According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, drug enforcement officers began investigating Greggory Lowery, 36, of Nebo, earlier this year. Detectives said, over the course of several months, they had identified Lowery as a large supplier of meth in McDowell County.

Greggory Cole Lowery, 36, of Nebo, has been charged with two counts of felony trafficking methamphetamine. He was issued a secured bond of $2,000,000.

Timothy James Beaty, 47, of Nebo, has been charged with felony conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and was issued a secured bond of $500,000.

The investigation

On Nov. 13, 2024, McDowell County Drug Enforcement, with assistance from the Rutherford County Narcotics and Street Crimes Units, conducted surveillance on U.S. 221 near the Rutherford/McDowell line. Detectives observed Lowery driving a grey Honda Pilot, followed closely by a yellow Ford F-150 truck driven by Beaty, a news release from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said.

Rutherford County detectives stopped the truck because of a traffic violation. At the same time, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office Community Impact Team attempted to stop Lowery’s vehicle for a traffic violation when he entered McDowell County. Lowery attempted to evade officers by fleeing onto Polly Spout Road and then Vein Mountain Road, according to the news release. During the pursuit, Lowery pulled over, poured an accelerant inside his vehicle and set it on fire before fleeing on foot. After a brief foot chase, Lowery was apprehended, and the vehicle fire was extinguished, the news release said.

Search warrants were executed on Lowery’s residence, vehicle and other properties in McDowell County.

Authorities recovered approximately:

  • 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine from his vehicle
  • 1 pound of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 20 firearms from his residence

Authorities said an estimated street value of the methamphetamine confiscated from Lowery’s vehicle was $3.8 million.

“I am extremely proud of the McDowell County Drug Enforcement for their relentless commitment to protecting our county and state from the devastating impact of these illegal drugs,” Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan said in the news release. “While we may never fully know the number of lives saved through this extraordinary seizure, we can say with certainty that their efforts have made our communities safer.”

Marion Police Chief Allen Lawrence said in the news release it was the largest drug seizure in the history of McDowell County and also the largest drug seizure he had ever been a part of in his 25-year career.

“This did not happen by chance or luck, but by many long days and hours away from their own families to make this community a safer place. I would put this group of individuals up against any specialized unit anywhere in the country because of their years of experience, talents, dedication, and ability to work together. I am proud of them and honored to be a small part of this and privileged to work with this group every day,” Lawrence said in the news release.

North Carolina SBI Director Roger “Chip” Hawley expressed his appreciation for Buchanan and Lawrence, and also for the agency partnerships and dedication.

“The SBI considers it a privilege to have an ongoing partnership with McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and Marion Police Department as we strive collaboratively to keep North Carolina safe from drug traffickers,” Hawley said in the news release.

Agencies participating in the case include the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

“I’m proud of our partnerships with these agencies committed to the McDowell County Drug Enforcement,” Buchanan said in the release. “This seizure serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.”

This case remains under active investigation, with additional charges pending.