Gastonia, North Carolina — A multi-agency investigation has led to the seizure of 44 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at roughly $2.6 million on the street, from a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating between Dallas, Texas, and Gastonia, North Carolina.
The operation involved coordinated efforts by the Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, targeting a network distributing methamphetamine throughout multiple counties.
Investigation Traces Key Suspects
Investigators began surveillance in November 2025 at the residence of Rickie Shane Hooper, who was observed meeting with Javier Luviano-Navarro, a known drug dealer in Gaston County. Authorities determined that Hooper had received a large quantity of crystal meth from Luviano.
Luviano was later tracked traveling to a residence in Cleveland County, and authorities monitored him renting a storage unit in Gastonia, suspected of being used to store drugs.
Seizures at Multiple Locations
Search warrants executed at Hooper’s properties resulted in the seizure of 14 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. An additional 5 kilograms were recovered from Luviano’s storage unit.
In early December, investigators identified that Luviano was returning to Gastonia with another suspected shipment. On Dec. 4, a traffic stop conducted by the Gastonia Police Department led to the discovery of cocaine and keys to the previously searched storage unit.
Simultaneously, deputies from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office located Luviano’s original vehicle from November at a local residence. Inside, Eusebio Bustos-Osorio was found, and a K-9 unit alerted to narcotics. Deputies seized 25 kilograms of crystal meth from the trunk.
Charges Filed
Following the seizures:
- Javier Luviano-Navarro was charged in Gaston County with four counts of trafficking crystal methamphetamine.
- Eusebio Bustos-Osorio was charged in Cleveland County with two counts of trafficking crystal methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to traffic crystal methamphetamine.
- Charges for Rickie Shane Hooper are pending as the investigation continues.
Authorities emphasized that the operation was part of a larger effort to dismantle multi-state drug trafficking networks and prevent meth distribution in both Gaston and Cleveland counties.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials note that the investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to monitor the suspects and trace additional drug shipments. The coordinated effort demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-jurisdictional collaboration in combating large-scale narcotics trafficking.
Community Alert
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for suspicious activity and report any suspected drug trafficking to local authorities. Methamphetamine trafficking poses serious public safety risks, and law enforcement urges community members to help prevent illegal drug distribution.
Your Thoughts?
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