The operation, known as “Operation Casino Royale,” was carried out over several days by a coordinated effort of 115 law enforcement officers from 17 different agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Indian Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Division of Drug Enforcement.
A massive drug bust took place on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reservation in North Carolina, resulting in the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs and the arrest of nearly 100 individuals
Between May 30 and June 2, the agencies conducted extensive surveillance, multiple traffic stops, and executed search warrants leading to numerous arrests. The operation resulted in the confiscation of drugs worth a total of $196,757, including crystal methamphetamine valued at $93,554, fentanyl valued at $81,034, marijuana valued at $21,131, and cocaine valued at $1,038. Additionally, 10 firearms were also seized during the operation.
During the execution of a search warrant on June 2, law enforcement officers made a startling discovery—a 2-year-old child. Subsequent testing revealed that the child had tested positive for fentanyl.
The child was immediately taken to the hospital for evaluation and monitoring
By the conclusion of “Operation Casino Royale,” a total of 98 arrests were made on various charges, such as driving while intoxicated, possession and intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, carrying concealed weapons, and child abuse. Furthermore, law enforcement issued 193 citations for violations including driving with a revoked license, driving without a license, open container violations, speeding, reckless driving, and lacking insurance.
Tragically, an overdose death occurred during the operation, prompting law enforcement to respond to the incident. The success of this operation has prompted the agencies involved to request similar operations be conducted regularly, particularly around the time of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians‘ per capita paycheck disbursement week.