Local, federal authorities in Iredell County seize 17 pounds of meth while investigating drug ring

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities in Iredell County seized about 17 pounds of methamphetamine on Dec. 22 while investigating a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization operating in the U.S., the sheriff’s office said.

[ALSO READ: Children stream in through the Mexico border]

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office partnered with special agents from the Homeland Security Investigations office in Charlotte to make the bust.

The suspect, Daniel Gallardo, 15, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was charged with felony trafficking methamphetamine by possession and felony trafficking methamphetamine by transportation.

The arrest happened along Interstate 77 and the drugs were worth nearly $800,000.

>> Remember, you can watch our radar/newscasts anytime at home on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV

Gallardo was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center and issued a $750,000 secured bond.

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said the following in a news release:

“Our relationship with Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Office has been an on-going, and very beneficial partnership for more than 20 years. This relationship has had a direct and positive impact in combating the narcotics trade within Iredell County and the Western District of North Carolina. By stopping these drugs from getting into our communities, we have undoubtedly saved lives from potential overdoses, saved families who are not having to deal with domestic violence, and saved our community members from becoming victims of larcenies, breaking and entering and robberies which are committed by those who needed money to buy these drugs to support their habit. Remember, we are just two or three days away from the Mexican border and when the border is secure, we are more secure.”

(WATCH: Feds could seize local drug house located near several schools)

Feds could seize local drug home located near schools

©2021 Cox Media Group