HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. — A major year-long drug investigation dubbed “Operation Uptown Funk” has concluded, resulting in over 30 arrests, the seizure of more than $175,000 in cash, 30+ pounds of illegal drugs, and 20 firearms.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement in a Facebook post, crediting the success to the efforts of the Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement (DICE) unit, in collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).
“Over the course of the investigation, detectives conducted extensive surveillance, investigated numerous overdoses, and dedicated countless hours to building a comprehensive case against this violent and far-reaching drug network,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote.
Authorities executed 10 search warrants across Henderson County, Buncombe County, and Greenville County, South Carolina. They recovered trafficking quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, along with firearms — many of which were illegally owned.
Local Individuals Charged:
Several individuals from Henderson County face multiple felony charges. Notably:
Tyrone Featherstone: Trafficking opium/heroin, trafficking cocaine, possession of Schedule I substances, marijuana possession, multiple conspiracy charges, and continuing criminal enterprise.
Andre Whiteside: Continuing criminal enterprise, cocaine manufacturing and trafficking, maintaining a drug property.
Stephanie Brown, Nakita Allen, Desmond Whiteside, and Clarence Summey: Charged with continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy-related trafficking offenses.
Tyrale Graham, Amber Jackson, Chrishe Landrum, and others face drug possession and distribution-related charges.
One defendant, Miguel Espinoza-Collado, was charged with continuing criminal enterprise, suggesting deeper involvement in the organization.
More charges and arrests could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
