Over 2,000 poppy plants seized in opium operation

Local authorities have arrested two people in connection with a opium poppy operation in southern Alexander County.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office received a tip of a possible Poppy plant growing operation in the Wittenburg Community of Alexander County. On May 9, 2018, while following up on the tip, Alexander County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Officers with the Taylorsville Police Department located two plots of Poppy plants at a residence located at 361 Cloyd Moore Lane, Taylorsville.

Although there are different types of Poppy plants, the ones located at the address listed produce Opium from the buds. Sheriff Chris Bowman estimates more than 2,000 Poppy plants were seized. Some of the plants had been scored or cut lightly with a fine blade, in order for the plants to produce secretions, which were then harvested to produce opium derivatives.

Two suspects were charged with Trafficking Schedule I Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Dwelling for Controlled Substance, and Manufacture Schedule I Controlled Substance.

The suspects were identified as: Xee Yang, 61 years of age, and Cha Yang, also age 61. Both suspects reside at 361 Cloyd Moore Lane, Taylorsville.

Both suspects were placed under a $500,000 bond with a first court appearance on May 14, 2018.

Sheriff Bowman would like to thank Officers with the Taylorsville Police Department, Newton Police Department, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina SBI for their assistance with the investigation.