ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A search warrant executed by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office’s Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force led to the seizure of more than 5 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs at a Woodfin residence, authorities said.
Investigators with the sheriff’s office, working in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, executed the warrant Feb. 18 at a home on Dryman Valley Road, according to a news release.
During the search, deputies seized approximately 5.43 pounds of methamphetamine, 38.4 grams of tar heroin, 17 grams of psilocybin, nearly $29,700 in cash, drug paraphernalia and a Jennings .22-caliber handgun that authorities said was illegally possessed.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation also involved assistance from the Woodfin Police Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Anna Marie Viruet-North was charged with trafficking in opium or heroin by possession, trafficking in methamphetamine by possession, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver psilocybin and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Viruet-North is in custody at the Washington County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
Sheriff Quentin Miller said partnerships between agencies are critical in addressing drug trafficking and illegal firearms.
“This seizure represents over 10,000 dosage units of dangerous substances that have been removed from the Woodfin community,” BCSO District 2 Capt. Christopher Stockton said in a statement. “This result is a reflection of IGRANT’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking operations through collaboration with state and local partners.”