A two-year investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in Ashe County has resulted in the arrests of six suspects on various drug-related charges, according to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.
Ashe County Sheriff James Williams said, in a press release on Wednesday. the arrest of the six suspects came as a result of three search warrants executed on Dec. 12.
ACSO narcotics investigators, along with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, identified the suspects early on as some of the largest distributors of methamphetamine in Ashe County, said Williams.
With the assistance of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, Boone Police Department, DEA, ATF and HIS, the investigation led to the seizure of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine and $9,700 in cash, said the press release.
The following suspects were arrested on federal charges:
Martin Saldana, 43, of West Jefferson was charged with conspiring to traffic more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a fireman in furtherance of a drug crime. Saldana is in custody of the United States Marshals with no bond.
Jose Francisco Pena, 45, of West Jefferson was charged with conspiring to traffic more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and the sale and deliver of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Pena is in custody of the U.S. marshals with no bond.
Jose Jiminez Pina, 25, of West Jefferson was charged with conspiracy to traffic more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. He is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals with no bond.
Bobby Shore, 49, of Lansing was charged with conspiring to traffic more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, possession of ammunition in furtherance of a drug crime, and the sale or deliver of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Shore is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals with no bond.
Danny Eller, 52, of Pine Swamp was charged with conspiracy to traffic more than 1,500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Eller is currently in the custody of the United States Marshals with no bond.
Each defendant is facing minimum mandatory sentences of 10 years in prison with a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for the drug charges, and a minimum mandatory sentence of five years for the weapons charges, said the press release.
The street value of the drugs confiscated was approximately $38,000.
Also arrested in the case was Russell Craven, 54, of Jefferson. Craven was charged on state charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was released on a $25,500 secured bond.
The investigation is still ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated, said the release.
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