Cherokee County Narcotics Division Disrupts Major Drug Trafficking Operation

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

On November 15, 2025, agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division successfully concluded a targeted drug-trafficking investigation in Cherokee County, NC. During the operation, agents developed information indicating that Jared Dickerson and Chelsea Taylor, both of Murphy, were routinely traveling to Georgia to acquire significant quantities of illegal drugs for resale in Cherokee County.

Working in close coordination with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, investigators conducted a strategic traffic stop in Pickens County as Dickerson and Taylor returned to North Carolina. A search of the vehicle revealed a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics, including 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 grams of fentanyl, 40 grams of cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana.

Dickerson and Taylor were taken into custody and face multiple drug-trafficking charges. They are currently being held in the Pickens County Detention Center under no bond.

Sheriff Dustin Smith expressed his gratitude to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and commended the ongoing collaboration among regional law-enforcement agencies. “This operation demonstrates the strength of our alliances and our united commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our communities,” Sheriff Smith said.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the vigorous pursuit and prosecution of individuals who attempt to flood our county with dangerous and illicit substances. Our agency will continue to fight tirelessly to protect the safety and well-being of Cherokee County residents.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.