Swannanoa man found with fentanyl, methamphetamine; charged with trafficking
May 17—CALDWELL COUNTY — A man was found in possession of $19,140 worth of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
A Swannanoa man was arrested by narcotic agents with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office on May 14, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Christopher Lee Burrell, 53, was found to be in possession of approximately 114 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of fentanyl.
For scale, in a healthcare setting fentanyl, is measured in micrograms (mcg) — 1,000,000 mcg = 1g. Fentanyl is dispensed for general pain in a health care setting at 1 to 2 mcg each hour as needed with a maximum dose of 100 mcg, according to the National Library of Medicine. For methamphetamine, a average dose in health care is 5 milligrams (mg) once or twice a day with a maximum of about 25 mg — for reference 1g = 1,000 mg, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The drugs seized during the investigation have a total street value of $19,140, according to North Carolina State Drug Guidelines.
Burrell was charged with one count each of trafficking of methamphetamine and possession with intent to sell and/or deliver Schedule II. Burrell received a $50,000 secured bond and had a first appearance in court May 15.
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office is always in search of any information involving the use and distribution of illegal controlled substances, according to a pres release from the sheriff's office. A concerned citizen's information and assistance will be kept confidential. If anyone has any information concerning illegal drug activity in Caldwell County, contact the:
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office I.C.E. Unit at 828-757-1178.
Lenoir Police Department's Narcotics Division at 828-757-2145.
Hudson Police Department at 828-728-5021.
Granite Falls Police Department at 828-396-3358.
Caldwell County Crimestoppers at 828-758-8300.
