Two men arrested in local narcotics ring
The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lenoir Police Department, has concluded a four-month investigation into the sale and distribution of multiple types of narcotics, said Alexander Sheriff Chad Pennell.
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, deputies executed three search warrants at separate residences located off Willie McLeod Road in Alexander County. As a result of the searches, investigators seized the following narcotics, said Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell: 6.6 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.4 pounds of cocaine, 2.7 pounds of marijuana, 7 grams of fentanyl, and 5 grams of psychedelic mushrooms.
Officers also seized U.S. currency, firearms, and illegal non-tax-paid alcoholic beverages (“moonshine”). The estimated street value of the narcotics seized is approximately $61,000.
Nathan Smith arrested
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from North Carolina SBI, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Boone Police Department, arrested Nathan Daniel Smith, a 36-year-old Black male of Taylorsville. He was charged with:
• One count of Trafficking Methamphetamine
• One count of Trafficking Cocaine
• Two counts of Conspiracy to Sell Controlled Substances
• One count of Possession of Cocaine.
Smith was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center with no bond. He has a first court appearance in Alexander County District Court on December 22, 2025
Bradley Smith arrested
Bradley Dwayne Smith, a 49-year-old Black male of Taylorsville, was arrested and charged with the following offenses: one count of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Trafficking Cocaine, one count of Trafficking Fentanyl, one count of Felony Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling to Sell Controlled Substances, three counts of Conspiracy to Sell Controlled Substances, three counts of Possession with Intent to Manufacture, Sell, and Deliver Controlled Substances, one count of Felony Possession of Marijuana, one count of Possession of Non-Tax-Paid Alcoholic Beverage, and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Smith was placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $1.5 million secured bond. His first appearance in Alexander County District Court was held on December 15, 2025.
The investigation into this case is continuing and more arrests are possible.
