4 arrested after monthslong investigation leads to major meth distribution operation

ALEXANDER COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies say they have arrested four people after a three-month-long investigation led to the bust of a major meth distribution operation in Alexander County.

Several local and federal agencies launched a surveillance investigation into possible methamphetamine distribution after the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office was given a tip several months ago. The operation led investigators throughout western North Carolina and into Georgia.

Authorities said 44-year-old Jeremy Magnus, 33-year-old Angela Dale, 42-year-old Troy Powell and 35-year-old Heather Swanson were each arrested and charged with several counts of felony trafficking methamphetamine.

Officials said Magnus was one of the main distributors of meth to Alexander County as well as other parts of western North Carolina. He, along with Dale, were arrested after a traffic stop in Granite Falls.

Powell and Swanson were taken into custody when they left a house in Caldwell County.

The investigation led to the seizure of a large amount of money, two cars and a large quantity of meth with an estimated street value of $291,300.

Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman said he wanted to thank the agencies involved in the investigation for the help and for their “tireless effort in shutting down this methamphetamine distribution operation.”

Deputies seize more than $6M in cocaine in largest bust in Lincoln County history Deputies seize more than $6M in cocaine in largest bust in Lincoln County history

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