Catawba County, North Carolina – A massive federal drug raid in Catawba County has resulted in the seizure of nearly 75 kilograms of narcotics and $377,981 in cash, authorities announced this week.
The operation, which stemmed from a months-long investigation into drug trafficking networks across western North Carolina, led to the arrest of two suspects and the discovery of a significant cache of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl.
Investigation Originated in February
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office launched the investigation in February after identifying several suspected drug traffickers operating in the Catawba Valley region. As the case evolved, a county investigator, who also serves as a task force officer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made multiple controlled purchases of illegal drugs.
Those undercover operations provided enough evidence for the ATF to adopt the case federally, setting the stage for one of the largest drug seizures in the area’s history.
Federal Warrant Executed in Granite Falls
On October 23, ATF agents, working alongside Catawba County investigators, executed a federal search warrant at a residence on Rocky Mount Road in Granite Falls. The search resulted in the arrest of 40-year-old Kenneth Travis and the discovery of large quantities of illegal narcotics.
Authorities seized the following:
- 60.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at $454,500
- 12.7 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $429,100
- 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, valued at $39,000
- $377,981 in U.S. currency
Investigators described the seizure as a major disruption to regional drug trafficking operations.
Charges Filed Against Two Suspects
Following the raid, Kenneth Travis, 40, was taken into custody and charged with multiple drug trafficking offenses, including:
- Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
- Seven counts of trafficking in methamphetamine
- Two counts of maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering controlled substances
Travis was booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility and is being held on a $1.2 million bond.
A second suspect, Oderia Dante Glaspy, 48, of Hickory, was also arrested in connection with the investigation. Glaspy faces the following charges:
- Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
- Two counts of trafficking methamphetamine
- Maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering controlled substances
He is currently being held at the same facility under a $450,000 bond.
Additional Charges and Federal Indictments Pending
Officials say the investigation is still ongoing, and additional state and federal charges may follow as the case develops. Authorities are working to trace the distribution networks and financial sources connected to the seized narcotics.
“This operation reflects the importance of inter-agency collaboration in taking dangerous drugs off our streets,” said a representative from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. “The amount of meth, cocaine, and fentanyl recovered could have easily devastated multiple communities.”
Agencies Involved in the Operation
The large-scale investigation and seizure involved several law enforcement agencies, including:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI)
- Burke County Sheriff’s Office
- Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
- Hickory Police Department
- Maiden Police Department
- Newton Police Department
Law enforcement agencies are encouraging residents to report any suspicious drug activity and help combat the ongoing opioid and methamphetamine crisis affecting the state.
How do you think law enforcement can better address drug trafficking in North Carolina communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
