2 arrested on drugs, gun charges in Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – Two people were arrested on drugs and gun charges on Tuesday in Asheville.

According to the Asheville Police Department, officers were conducting crime prevention around 4:17 p.m. after receiving complaints about illegal firearm activity in the area.

Detectives and officers attempted to make contact with Brandon Norelle Miller, 36, on Granada Street.

Officials said Miller fled on foot and was apprehended shortly after. While attempting to evade officers, he discarded a backpack that was found to contain a trafficking amount of fentanyl.

Shortly after, officers made contact with 23-year-old Dontae Levon Simpson in legal possession of a firearm but a trafficking amount of fentanyl.

During this investigation, the following was seized:

• Glock 23 pistol (.40 cal)
• 62.28 grams of fentanyl
• 5.45 grams of crack cocaine
• 531.48 grams of marijuana
• 1 DU of oxycodone

Miller was charged with:

• trafficking in opium or heroin by possession (Level III)
• possession with intent to sell or deliver Schedule II
• felony possess schedule VI
• possession with intent to sell or deliver Schedule VI
• resist delay or obstruct

Miller was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $75,000 bond.

Simpson was charged with trafficking in opium or heroin by possession (Level I) and simple possession Schedule II.

He was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $30,000 bond.

If you have any information about illegal gun activity, you are encouraged to call APD at (828) 252-1110.

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