Two arrested after drugs, guns seized in search of Barnardsville home

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two Barnardsville residents were arrested after authorities seized firearms and drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, during the execution of a search warrant earlier this month, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said.

Agents with the sheriff’s office Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force, working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and sheriff’s office deputies, served the warrant Dec. 4 at a residence on Dock Branch Road in the Barnardsville community. The search followed an investigation prompted by a community complaint alleging illegal drug activity at the home.

Investigators seized two firearms (a 12-gauge shotgun and a 9mm handgun) along with 6.7 grams of fentanyl, 9.1 grams of methamphetamine, assorted pills, 22 Suboxone films, 1.3 grams of marijuana and $1,790 in cash, authorities said.

Nicholas Herman Lunsford, of Barnardsville, was charged with trafficking in opium or heroin by possession, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Tina Elaine Brigman, also of Barnardsville, was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff Quentin Miller said community tips and cooperation among law enforcement agencies are critical to combating illegal drugs and firearms.

“This type of communication with our community about illegal activity along with collaboration with our fellow law enforcement agencies is crucial to tracking down these dangerous substances and the people who are selling them,” Miller said in a statement.

District 2 Capt. Christopher Stockton said the investigation underscores the importance of community involvement in public safety efforts.

“When community members are able to communicate with us about concerning behavior they observe within their community, it enables us to effectively focus our time and resources toward solving issues,” Stockton said.