ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department arrested four young men involved in a drug operation on Wednesday afternoon.

Information from a drug investigation conducted by the Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office led APD to obtain a search warrant for a residence on Ascension Drive in West Asheville.

Prior to executing the search warrant on Wednesday, Aug. 27, APD officers encountered two occupants leaving the residence in a vehicle. The passenger, Deonte Sincere Gardner, 25, was found in possession of 16.6 grams of fentanyl and taken into custody without incident.

When officers entered the residence, they found $7,611 in United States currency, four handguns, one of which was reported stolen to APD, 202 grams of marijuana and a fentanyl press. Three additional occupants inside the residence were charged and taken into custody.

The fourth occupant inside the residence, a juvenile who was temporarily detained, was released to the custody of his mother. 

The investigation is ongoing, with more charges likely to follow. The Asheville Police Department would like to thank the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for its invaluable participation in this operation. Their investigation has contributed directly to our continuing efforts to address concerns raised in our community. 

Arrested:

Deonte Sincere Gardner, 25

• Two felony counts of trafficking, opium or heroin
• One felony count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II
• One felony count of felony possession Schedule II 

Gardner was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $40,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Lawrence Sincere Gardner, 22

• One felony count of maintain vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance

Gardner was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $50,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Rasheed Jahaad Grant, 23

• One felony count of maintain vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substance
• One felony count of possession of firearm by felon
• One felony count of possession of stolen firearm

Grant was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $500,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Damion Keire Smith Jr., 22 

• One felony count of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana

Smith was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $5,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

If you have any information about illegal drug or gun activity, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD app or by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411.