Aberdeen, NC — A major drug investigation in Moore County led to the arrest of three suspects after deputies discovered a stash of illegal narcotics, more than a dozen firearms, and over $2,800 in cash inside a mobile home on Thursday, authorities confirmed.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests and the long list of seized items on Friday, calling the bust a significant disruption to local drug activity.
Search at Heflin Mobile Home Park Leads to Large Seizures
Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on the 100 block of Bell Fork Road in the Heflin Mobile Home Park. The investigation, led by detectives with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, targeted a home believed to be involved in ongoing drug distribution.
During the search, deputies uncovered a wide mix of illegal substances, including:
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Psilocybin mushrooms
- Marijuana
Detectives also found multiple types of drug and marijuana paraphernalia, along with 13 firearms hidden in different areas of the property. Officials confirmed that the weapons included both handguns and long guns.
Additionally, deputies seized over $2,800 in U.S. currency, believed to be tied to drug sales, as per CBS17.
Three Aberdeen Residents Arrested at the Scene
Authorities arrested 26-year-old José Renato Sanchez, 56-year-old Tabitha Ann Sanchez, and 50-year-old Brandy Talbert Grice, all of whom are residents of Aberdeen. The trio was transported to the Moore County Detention Center, where they now face a long list of charges related to possession and drug trafficking.
Charges for José Renato Sanchez (26)
José Sanchez is being held under a $10,000 secured bond and faces the following charges:
- Felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine
- Felony possession of cocaine
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana
- Felony possession of marijuana
- Maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances (2 counts)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Charges for Tabitha Ann Sanchez (56)
Tabitha Sanchez is being held under a $5,500 secured bond and faces:
- Felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance
- Simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Charges for Brandy Talbert Grice (50)
Grice is also being held under a $5,500 secured bond, charged with:
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Court Date Set for December 10
All three suspects are scheduled to make their first court appearance on December 10, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed if further evidence is discovered.
Sheriff’s Office Highlights Ongoing Drug Enforcement Efforts
Officials emphasized that this bust is part of a broader effort to curb drug trafficking across Moore County, particularly in areas where illegal substances are linked to violent crime, overdoses, and repeat offenders.
The sheriff’s office said the seizure of both drugs and 13 firearms underscores the dangerous combination of narcotics and weapons circulating within the community. Authorities praised the collaborative work of investigators and patrol deputies who secured the scene, collected evidence, and ensured all suspects were taken into custody without injury.
Community Impact
Residents in the surrounding area have expressed relief following the arrests, with several telling deputies they had long suspected illegal activity in the neighborhood. The sheriff’s office encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious behavior as detectives work to dismantle local drug operations.
Do you think Moore County is seeing an increase in drug-related crime? Are enough resources being put toward fighting narcotics in rural communities?
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