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2 arrested in connection with heroin distribution investigation

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Two people were arrested after an undercover operation involving heroin distribution in the Iredell County area, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives had received information that Edward Patchett, 42, was involved in a distribution operation that involved selling heroin throughout the Statesville area, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said as they continued the investigation, Brianna Barry, 23, was also implicated in the distribution operation.

The sheriff’s office said narcotics detectives were able to purchase a total of approximately seven  grams of heroin from Patchett and Barry. Officials said the street value of the undercover purchases of heroin is $14,000.

Patchett and Barry were both charged with one count of trafficking schedule 1 (heroin) by sale, trafficking schedule 1 (heroin) by possession and trafficking schedule 1 (heroin) by transport.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected to follow, the sheriff’s office said.