Asheville Police: More than 4 million lethal fentanyl doses seized in record-breaking drug bust
By Zach Rainey
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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WYFF) — A recent drug bust in Asheville, North Carolina, made history as it was the largest fentanyl seizure in Buncombe County history.
The Asheville Police Department said as part of an ongoing investigation that included information submitted through the Tip411 app, detectives arrested 37-year-old Jesse Milton Ogletree Jr. on Gashes Creek Road on April 22.
Officers said Ogletree was in possession of a trafficking quantity of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.
A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, 33.249 pounds of narcotics, and $13,582. Detectives also recovered equipment consistent with large-scale drug distribution.
Police seized a total of 8.03 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, equivalent to more than 4 million potentially lethal doses. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States.
The following evidence was seized by detectives:
1 Short Barreled Rifle with Suppressor and Drum Magazine (Weapon of Mass Destruction) 4 Semi-Automatic Shotguns 3 Handguns (including a Polymer 80, or a ‘ghost gun’) 33.249 pounds of weighed narcotics, including the following: 14.695 pounds of powdered substances (Fentanyl and Cocaine) 2.17 pounds of suspected blocked Fentanyl 5.06 pounds of pills + 38 dosage units (suspected pressed Fentanyl) 2.741 pounds of Marijuana 8.27 pounds of Methamphetamine 0.313 pounds of suspected Heroin $13,582
Ghost guns are any privately made firearms without serial numbers that allow police to trace weapons used in crime.
Ogletree is facing the following charges:
Two counts of felony trafficking in Fentanyl Two counts of felony trafficking in Methamphetamine Two counts of felony trafficking in Cocaine Felony possession of Schedule VI controlled substance Felony possession with intent to sell or deliver Fentanyl Felony possession with intent to sell or deliver Cocaine Felony possession with intent to sell or deliver Methamphetamine Felony possession with intent to sell or deliver Marijuana Felony possess weapon of mass destruction Felony possession of firearm by felon Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia Ogletree was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $60,000 bond.
Officers said anonymous tips made through the TIP411 app were instrumental in making the arrest.
If you have any information about this incident or any illegal drug activity, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110.
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