Investigators in Watauga County seize nearly $60,000 in drugs

BOONE, N.C. — Narcotics officers with multiple law enforcement agencies concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation in Watauga County on Saturday morning.

It was the culmination of a five-year investigation involving the Watauga County Sheriff's Office, the Boone Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

This investigation targeted a closely knit network of drug distributors involved in the sell and distribution of methamphetamine in the Watauga County area.

Officers identified Luis Enrique Garcia as the main distributor in this group. Garcia live at 671-B Howard's Creek Road in Boone.

Law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Garcia's residence Saturday. During the search of this residence, narcotics officers seized a large amount of United States currency, items of drug paraphernalia and approximately one pound of crystal methamphetamine with a street value of $57,120.

Narcotics officers believe Garcia to be one of the largest distributors in the Watauga County area. Garcia was charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

"This case is a real victory for law enforcement and the citizens of Boone, as well as all of Watauga County. This seizure will definitely have an impact on the drug trade in our region for some time," Chief D. Crawford said.

Drug detection K-9's from both the Watauga County Sheriff's Office and Boone Police Department were used.

Officers stated more arrests can be expected in this investigation.

Javier Gomez Sanchez, of 671-B Howard's Creek Road, was also arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

WSOC