Deputies arrest 4 after Swannanoa narcotics bust – Asheville Citizen-Times

Christopher Lee Burrell was arrested by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Thursday May 11, 2017.(Photo: Courtesy of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office)

SWANNANOA - Threemen and one woman were arrested Thursday after the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office executed a warrant to search two Swannanoa residences connected toan investigation into illegal narcotics sales, according to an agency spokeswoman.

Katrina Robinson Hicks, 41, and Charles Dale Surrett, 48, wereeach charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for the sale and use of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, said Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Natalie Bailey.

Christopher Lee Burrell, 47, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Bailey.

Christopher Eugene Hamlin, 34, was also arrested Thursday. Deputies said he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest after being charged with failing to pay child support.

Christopher Eugene Hamlin was arrested by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Thursday May 11, 2017.(Photo: Courtesy of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office)

Agents with the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force and deputies with the Sheriff's Office searched homes on Myrtle Road and Good Loop Road after receiving reports of high volumes of traffic in the area connected to people selling and using narcotics, according to a search warrant filed by Buncombe County Detective Sarah Hofecker.

Before searching these homes, deputies had been called to both residences on multiple occasions after people reported incidents involving narcotics, according to a search warrant. Additionally, the residents of both residences havea history of drug related offenses.

Agents conducted surveillance on these residences several times and observed heavy vehicle and foot traffic, the search warrant states. People were seen going into the residences, staying for a short time and then leaving.

Hofecker said this was indicative that narcotics sales were occurring.

On May 5, deputies followed a vehicle that left the residence on Myrtle Road and observed the driver driving erratically. They also failed to maintain in their lane, according to the search warrant. When deputies stopped the vehicle the driver told them they had narcotics.

Katrina Hicks, 41, was arrested by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Thursday May 11, 2017.(Photo: Courtesy of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies saw a bag of what appeared to be methamphetamine on the driver's side floor board when the driver got out of the vehicle.

The driver admitted to deputies that some of the methamphetamine came from the residence on Myrtle Road, according to Hofecker's warrant.

On another occasion, deputies followed a vehicle that left the residence on Good Loop Road, a search warrant states. This driver drove left of center and failed to maintain lane control.

The driver consented to a vehicle search during a traffic stop, the search warrant states. Deputies found a bag of methamphetamine in the vehicle.

When deputies searched the residence on Good Loop RoadThursday they found four digital scales, a plastic bag, two glass pipes, $261 in cash and 2.8 grams of a crystal substance, according to a search warrant.

At the residence on Myrtle Road deputies found a spoon with residue, two cellphones and a baby wipe box with a hypodermic needle, according to the warrant.

Following these arrests, Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan said the Sheriff's Office and Anti-Crime Task Force are committed to identify, thoroughly investigate and arrests people who are involved in selling and distributing illegal narcotics throughout the county, according to a news release.

Hicks remained at the Buncombe County Detention Facility Tuesday in lieu of a $20,000 secured bond. She was scheduled to appear in Buncombe County District Court June 12.

Burrell also remained in custody Tuesday in lieu of a $2,000 secured bond. His next court appearance was scheduled for May 30.

Hamlin was in custody at the Buncombe County Detention Facility in lieu of a $3,718. 12 secured bond. His court appearance was scheduled for June 11.

Surrett was no longer detained at the Buncombe County Detention Facility Tuesday.

The Sheriff's Office request that anyone with information about people selling narcotics to contact the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force at 828-232-1580 or Crime Stoppers at 828-250-5050.

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Deputies arrest 4 after Swannanoa narcotics bust - Asheville Citizen-Times

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