"Sheriff Does It Again"
Sheriff George Wilhelm Drug Bust Breaks Another Record
Sheriff George A. Wilhelm and Randolph County Sheriff Litchard Hurley look over what is believed to be the largest Methamphetamine seizure in North Carolina history.
PRESS RELEASE
On Wednesday October 24th, 2001 the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office along with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) arrested 7 suspects for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (by possession and transportation), and Conspiracy to Traffic in Methamphetamine.. They seized 27 pounds of Methamphetamine (Street Value of 1.3 million dollars.), two vehicles, one handgun, and $4,400.00 in cash.
The arrest and seizures took place at 1351 Sloop Ave. in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Sheriff George Wilhelm of Rowan County praised the three agencies for their ability to work cooperatively to take these drugs off the street. Wilhelm said "Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous illegal drugs plaguing our society today." According to Wilhelm, "this is possibly the largest Methamphetamine seizure in North Carolina to date."
Sheriff Litchard Hurley of Randolph County said that " it is essential that sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies work together to rid our state of illegal drugs." Hurley commented " Since September 11th, 2001, it appears that Methamphetamine will become more frequently the drug of choice, because our borders are being monitored more closely. This causes the flow of illegal drugs such as Cocaine, Marijuana, and Heroin to be slowed down and lessened. Methamphetamine which can be processed in the United States becomes the drug more easily transported and distributed by drug dealers."
The 7 Suspects arrested and are being held in the Rowan County Detention Center with a one million dollar bond, each.
Suspect #1 Edgar Mendoza-Bustos, H/M DOB 09-05-74, 350 N. Fresno Ave., Fresno, CA.
Suspect #2 Samuel Flores-Valencia, H/M DOB 10-17-70, 2039 Walace Ave., Costa Mesa, CA.
Suspect #3 Norberto Rodriguez-Sila, H/M DOB 11-27-82, Ashboro, NC.
Suspect #4 Fedrico Vargas-Gomez, H/M DOB 08-02-73, Unknown Address
Suspect #5 Alfredo Torres-Gurrero, H/M DOB 08-05-64, 1351 Sloop Ave., Kannapolis, NC.
Suspect #6 Yasaira Valenzia, H/F DOB 02-04-79, Atlanta, GA.
Suspect #7 Maria Delacruz-Rodriquez, H/F DOB 05-06-79, 1067 Las Casas Lane, Madera, CA.