Multi-Agency Collaboration Leads to Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Seizure

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began an investigation into Forest Shane Lynn of Murphy, North Carolina. On June 22, 2026, agents learned that Lynn was traveling to Georgia to obtain a substantial quantity of illegal drugs for distribution in Cherokee County.

Agents contacted the Union County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, which coordinated efforts with the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office.

On the evening of June 22, 2026, deputies with the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop and identified Lynn and Starla Normand as the vehicle’s occupants. K-9 Deputy Ruckus alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics.

During the investigation, deputies recovered approximately 88 grams (3.1 ounces) of methamphetamine and 14 grams (0.5 ounce) of fentanyl. Both Lynn and Normand were arrested by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office. Agents from Cherokee County and deputies from Union County were present during the arrest.

Forest Shane Lynn and Starla Normand are facing multiple drug trafficking charges, along with additional drug-related offenses.

Sheriff Chris Wood praised the efforts of his agents and the deputies from Union, Fannin, and Gilmer counties.

“Our partnership with Georgia agencies is strong,” Wood said. “By working together, we are casting a broad safety net over our region. We are thankful for this strong partnership, and I hope those who choose to traffic this poison understand that whether you are in Cherokee County or elsewhere, we are one team.”

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.