FOREST CITY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two people have been arrested following the largest recorded seizure of pure fentanyl in Rutherford County history, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrests came after the department’s ACE (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement) Team received a tip about large-scale fentanyl distribution at a residence on Brooklyn Road in Forest City. Following days of surveillance and traffic stops connected to the case, investigators conducted a “knock and talk” at the home.
A woman was found at the residence, while a male occupant declined to allow a search and told investigators to obtain a warrant.
Deputies executed a search warrant and discovered a hidden compartment containing approximately 668 grams (1.4 pounds) of fentanyl –an amount equivalent to more than 6,600 individual doses — along with 1.7 grams of marijuana, 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, $1,137 in cash and multiple Venmo and CashApp cards believed to be tied to drug transactions.
The sheriff’s office said Friday the fentanyl seizure is the largest ever recorded in Rutherford County.
Jaremy Rippy and Hannah Odell, both of Forest City, were arrested and charged with the following offenses:
- Trafficking opium or heroin
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Simple possession of Schedule II and IV controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Both were being held on a $1.5 million secured bond.
The sheriff’s office credited its forensics division for assistance in the case and reaffirmed its commitment to combatting drug-related crimes in the community.