SYLVA, N.C. — A Swain County man’s plan to make quick cash by selling fake drugs unraveled after a hit-and-run crash led police to uncover his scam.
Austin Drake Thomas Fuller, 26, of Bryson City, was arrested and charged with a long list of offenses, including felony hit and run with injury and possession with intent to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance.
Police said Fuller crashed a black Toyota RAV4—which he was driving without the owner’s permission—on September 20 at 1143 West Main Street in Sylva, sparking a four-car collision. According to Lt. Det. Aimee Sumner, Fuller was speeding 10 mph over the posted 35 mph limit and crossed into oncoming traffic, causing multiple impacts.
One driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Harris Regional Hospital, while three vehicles sustained major damage.
Investigators later discovered that Fuller had been running a fake drug operation, attempting to scam buyers by selling powdered sugar disguised as fentanyl. Evidence found in the vehicle linked him to the scheme, according to Sgt. Jacob Waldroup of the Sylva Police Department.
Fuller’s arrest warrants state he was in possession of a “counterfeit controlled substance resembling fentanyl, replaced with similar-appearing powdered sugar.”
Police confirmed the car Fuller drove belonged to a known associate. He was also out on bond at the time for a May 2024 break-in conspiracy case involving Misty Dawn Curry and Matthew James Brown, both from Swain County. The group allegedly stole jewelry, firearms, and other valuables from a home on Hawk Shadow Trail.
For his latest charges, Fuller faces significant penalties. Hit and run with injury is a Class H felony punishable by up to 39 months in prison, fines, and license revocation for up to two years. Possession with intent to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance is a Class I felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 24 months.
Fuller remains in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center on a $75,000 secured bond.
