BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — A large-scale, coordinated operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies in Buncombe County resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of substantial amounts of illegal narcotics.
The multi-agency effort took place on November 5 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and involved state, local, and federal authorities working together to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The operation was led by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Gun Reduction and Narcotics Task Force (IGRANT), in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Asheville Police Department (APD), and the Black Mountain Police Department (BMPD).
Authorities said the coordinated effort allowed for a highly effective and thorough investigation, ultimately targeting trafficking-level narcotics activity in the area.
Investigation Leads to Arrests and Evidence Collection
As part of the operation, Nazae Maewether was arrested on multiple outstanding felony warrants, which were connected to prior criminal activity. Law enforcement officials said his arrest provided key leads that resulted in the identification of Mahogany Brewer as another suspect in the ongoing investigation.
During the execution of the arrest warrants, authorities recovered a significant quantity of illegal substances and other evidence commonly associated with drug trafficking. Seized items included:
- 74.6 grams of fentanyl
- 16.6 grams of cocaine
- 2.7 grams of marijuana
- $1,044.25 in U.S. currency
- Miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, including packaging materials and other items used to distribute narcotics
Officials stressed that the amounts of drugs recovered were considered trafficking-level quantities, indicating that both suspects were likely involved in the sale and distribution of controlled substances on a larger scale.
Detailed Charges Against the Suspects
Nazae Maewether faces several serious charges, including:
- Trafficking in Opium/Heroin (Fentanyl) Level III – Transport
- Trafficking in Opium/Heroin (Fentanyl) Level III – Possession
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule I Drugs
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Cocaine
- Conspiracy to Sell Schedule I Drugs
Mahogany Brewer has been charged with:
- Trafficking in Opium/Heroin (Fentanyl) Level III – Transport
- Trafficking in Opium/Heroin (Fentanyl) Level III – Possession
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Schedule I Drugs
- Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, or Deliver Cocaine
- Conspiracy to Sell Schedule I Drugs
- Maintaining a Vehicle for the Sale of Controlled Substances
Authorities emphasized that both suspects could face lengthy prison sentences if convicted, reflecting the seriousness of trafficking offenses and their impact on public safety, according to the reports.
Authorities Highlight Collaborative Efforts and Community Safety
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office praised the collaboration between multiple agencies, noting that the combined efforts allowed them to quickly identify and apprehend high-risk suspects. Officials encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in their communities to help prevent the spread of dangerous narcotics.
Law enforcement said these arrests and seizures demonstrate the ongoing commitment to reducing drug trafficking, protecting neighborhoods, and keeping illegal substances off the streets.
Do you have insights or concerns about drug activity in Buncombe County? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on keeping your community safe.
