Couple arrested after police find $184K in drugs, 15 guns

MONROE, N.C. — Monroe couple was arrested, accused of trafficking in methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as manufacturing crystal methamphetamine, Union County Sheriff's Office said.

Special Response Teams from both the Sheriff's Office and Monroe Police Department combined forces to execute the early-morning search warrant on the home at 813 Rocky River Road North in Monroe.

IMAGES: Union County drug bust

James Ronald Helms, 48, and his wife, Michelle Stilwell Helms, 44, were taken into custody without incident.

Police K-9's were utilized to search the residence and outbuildings.

The search yielded a large sum of U.S. currency, about five pounds of crystal methamphetamine ($160,000 street value), about one pound of cocaine ($24,000 street value), two assault rifles, 13 handguns, a bulletproof vest and ammunition.

A 2005 Dodge truck was also seized pursuant to this investigation.

"I saw SWAT and probably 10 unmarked cars, so I knew something was going on," said Josh Mullis, who lives nearby the couple's home. "I was shocked. That's a tremendous amount of drugs, cash and weapons. It's not something I want around my kids."

Many people Channel 9 talked with near the scene not only live near the couple's home that was raided, but their children also attend school less than a half-mile away at Rocky River Elementary School.

"It's something my sister and I will have to be aware of," said Maria Torres, who also lives nearby. "My nieces live here and go to school at Rocky River. It's all very surprising."

James and Michelle Helms are facing various felony charges, including trafficking in both methamphetamine and cocaine.

Additional charges are expected to be made on both suspects as the evidence is processed, said investigators.

James and Michelle Helms are both scheduled to make their first court appearance Friday.

James Helms has a $1,500,000 secured bond and a Friday first appearance court date.  Bond has not yet been set for his wife, who faces identical charges.

WSOC