AUTHORITIES SEIZE 27 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE

Randolph and Rowan county authorities joined forces Wednesday to
conduct what they say could be the largest methamphetamine bust in
state history. Officials reported 27 pounds of methamphetamine valued
at $1.3 million was seized and seven people were arrested. They each
were held under $1 million bonds on charges of trafficking and
conspiracy to traffic the drug, also known as "speed," "ice" and
"crank."

Authorities identified the suspects, who were placed in the Rowan
County Detention Center, as Edgar Mendoza-Bustos, 27, Fresno, Calif.;
Samuel Flores-Valencia, 31, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Norberto
Rodriguez-Silva, 18, Asheboro; Fedrico Vargas-Gomez, 28, residence
unknown; Alfredo Torres-Gurrero, 37, Kannapolis; Yasaira Valenzia,
22, Atlanta; and Maria Delacruz-Rodriguez, 22, Madera, Calif. They
were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine by possession and
transportation, and conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine,
authorities said. The arrests followed a raid on Sloop Avenue in
Kannapolis, where authorities also confiscated two vehicles, a
handgun and $4,400.

The seven suspects are believed to be family members, Randolph County
Sheriff Litchard Hurley said Thursday. Authorities believe an eighth
suspect has fled to Mexico, the sheriff said.

"We'd dealt with these people before, and we knew it was coming to a
head last night," Hurley said.

The seizure could be the largest single bust of methamphetamine ever
recorded in North Carolina. Hurley said agents with the State Bureau
of Investigation told him an 8-pound seizure was made about five
years ago.

People who abuse methamphetamine often become violent, Rowan County
Sheriff George Wilhelm said.

"Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous illegal drugs plaguing
our society today," Wilhelm said.

Rowan County also was the site recently of one of the largest
marijuana seizures in state history. More than four tons of the drug
and $1.4 million in cash were discovered in a moving van parked at a
farm.

A six-month investigation by the Randolph County and Asheboro City
vice and narcotic units led investigators to several locations in

Randolph County, and eventually Sloop Avenue in Rowan County,
Randolph County Sheriff's Capt. R.M. Brady said.

Deputies from both counties began the raid about 8 p.m. Wednesday,
Hurley said. Most of the drugs were found in a 1994 Lexus, while the
remainder was recovered from the residence, Brady said. The Lexus
displayed a Georgia license plate, Hurley said, indicating the drugs
likely were manufactured outside of the state.

Although Hurley said methamphetamine is a growing problem, he said he
believes the drug's popularity has yet to peak. Instructions for
manufacturing methamphetamine can be found on the Internet, and a lab
can be set up just about anywhere, the sheriff said. Manufacturing
the drug is a dangerous process, since methamphetamine labs run the
risk of explosion.

The sheriff said methamphetamine's popularity might actually increase
in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which have led to
tighter border controls. As a result, the flow of imported illegal
drugs such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana may be restricted,
resulting in a greater market for domestic methamphetamine.

"Methamphetamine, which can be processed in the United States,
becomes the drug more easily transported and distributed by drug
dealers," he said.