Last Updated on February 12, 2026 3:27 pm
Ashe County, NC – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced today that the total amount of seized narcotics has been reported from Operation Crystal Ball, the most significant drug trafficking investigation in Ashe County’s history. This active, joint investigation between the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began in January 2025.
To date, over 80 individuals have been arrested, disrupting multiple drug trafficking networks operating within Ashe County, North Carolina, and the surrounding region. As leads continue to develop, additional charges and arrests are anticipated in the next few months for Wave 3.
The targeted enforcement efforts of this operation through surveillance, executing search warrants, and multi-jurisdictional cooperation resulted in the removal of large quantities of illegal narcotics from our community. This operation and the resulting seizure of illegal drugs, guns, and money are a major step forward in improving public health and safety in this community. The results below reflect both the scale of the criminal activity and the dedication of the detectives involved. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to working with local, state, and federal partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations attempting to operate in our area.
“As Sheriff, I enthusiastically commend all personnel and agencies for their dedication and teamwork in completing this operation. Their countless hours of collaboration on this operation exemplify a tenacious commitment to keeping our community safe.” – Sheriff Howell
Illicit Drugs:
∙ Methamphetamine: 14.1 Kilos (44,129.5 grams)
∙ THC Cartridges, Wax, and Candies: 2.5 Kilos (2,562.4 grams)
∙ Marijuana: 1.5 Kilos (5,166 grams)
∙ Psilocybin (Found in Mushrooms): 1.0 Kilos (1,053.8 grams)
∙ Cocaine/Crack 119 grams
∙ LSD: (Acid, Hallucinogenic Drug) 1,034 Dosage Units
∙ Schedule IV Pills: 291 Dosage Units
Other Items:
∙ U.S. Currency: $30,659
∙ Firearms: 40
∙ Explosive Devices: 2
Total Street Value of Drugs Seized: $1,054,862
