Howell was suspicious of Price’s abnormally nervous behavior and a quick check revealed Price was out on parole. A consent search led to Price admitting to having drugs concealed in a body cavity, and more than 52 grams of methamphetamine were recovered once Price arrived at the jail.

Trafficking in methamphetamine carries a mandatory sentence of 70 to 93 months in prison and, at a minimum, a $50,000 fine. Price pled guilty on July 10 before visiting Superior Court Judge Eric Morgan and has since begun his sentence.

In September 2016, Jessie Elizabeth Thomas, 34, of Waynesville, was stopped by Haywood County Deputy Nathan Deweese for a minor traffic violation. Thomas had more than 8 grams of methamphetamine, 1.15 grams of heroin and 5.13 grams of fentanyl in her pants.

On July 18, Thomas pled guilty to trafficking in opium for possessing fentanyl. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bradley B. Letts imposed the mandatory sentence of 70 to 93 months and the minimum fine of $50,000.

In March 2017, Haywood County deputy David Stoller responded at 11:30 p.m. to a domestic call at the Meadowland Apartments in Clyde. Stoller arrived and found Joshua Ray Warren, 38, of Waynesville, to be in possession of more than 38 grams of methamphetamine.

On July 20, Warren pled guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine and received the mandatory 70 to 93 month prison sentence and a $50,000 fine.