Last Updated on July 1, 2016 7:55 pm
*Boone Police press release*
Boone, NC – Area narcotics investigators have been working together on a large-scale joint investigation. These agencies include the Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee). These law enforcement agencies have held meetings to exchange information, discuss strategies and identify the people responsible for the methamphetamine in our region. This investigation is being called, “High Country Gold.” This case will involve many different tactics by area narcotics investigators. Although many actions have been taken, these are the first arrests in this investigation. There have also been multiple in-depth interviews conducted to gain information about the sources of methamphetamine in our region. This case is on-going and many more arrests are expected.
A counter-drug operation was conducted in Watauga County on June 23, 2016. During this operation, the following arrestees were found in possession of a large amount of crystal methamphetamine. Arrest warrants were issued in Watauga County for the listed persons. The crimes listed on these warrants were the following for each:
1 Count -Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Transportation.
1 Count – Trafficking in Methamphetamine by Possession.
1 Count – Conspiracy to Traffick Methamphetamine.
On June 29, 2016, Deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee) arrested the listed persons due to the outstanding arrest warrants in North Carolina.
“I’m proud of the hard work and collaboration that is happening to catch drug suppliers in our area. These drug pushers don’t stop at the city, county and state lines and when law enforcement works together, we don’t have to stop at those lines either.” – Dana Crawford, Chief of Police
Arrested were: Andre Thomas Barker, 33, of 9830 Hwy 421 Trade TN and Christina Desiree Wayt, 30, also of 9830 Hwy 421 Trade TN.
The Boone Police Department encourages anybody with information about the supply of illegal drugs into our communities or any criminal activity to call High County Crimestoppers at 828-268-6942 or Crime Stoppers at 828-268-6959 / 828-737-0125. You may also submit a Crime Stoppers Tip via our website at https://www.tipsubmit.com/webtips.aspx?AgencyID=1251 or Text “NCTIP plus your tip” to 274637 (CRIMES). All information will be kept confidential.
Andre Thomas Barker
Christina Desiree Wayt
