A routine traffic stop on Duke Street in Granite Falls turned into a major meth bust Tuesday, with deputies reporting they pulled about 40 grams of methamphetamine from a vehicle and arrested two suspects on trafficking charges. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office identified the pair as 37-year-old Heather Marie Payne of Granite Falls and 50-year-old Krystal Leigh Horner of Collettsville. Both were taken to the Caldwell County Detention Center, where officials say they are being held without bond.
Details From the Sheriff’s Office
In a post on social media, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office said the county I.C.E. unit, working with detectives from Granite Falls and Lenoir, stopped the vehicle after K-9 Raven alerted to the odor of narcotics. During a search, officers reported finding approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine. Payne was charged with conspiracy to trafficking in methamphetamine, while Horner faces multiple counts of trafficking and a charge of maintaining a vehicle for narcotics. The sheriff’s office estimated the meth’s street value at about $6,000 under North Carolina state drug guidelines, and quoted Sheriff Kevin H. Bean as saying the arrests are “part of a methamphetamine distribution ring” with more arrests expected.
Recent Meth Busts in Caldwell County
The traffic stop is the latest in a string of narcotics seizures in Caldwell County. An earlier stop on Jan. 9 led to the seizure of roughly 136 grams of methamphetamine, according to Go Foothills, which reported that the county I.C.E. unit has been partnering with local departments on trafficking investigations throughout the winter.
Tip Line and What Happens Next
In its post, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office listed the I.C.E. unit tip line at 828-757-1178 and provided additional contact numbers for reporting suspected drug activity. Investigators did not release court dates or further charging documents. The office urged anyone with information about drug distribution in the area to call the listed numbers or reach out to Caldwell County Crimestoppers.
