Senator recognizes sheriffs after narcotics operation
From left: Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke, Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin and Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller receive their congressional recognition from a staffer of Sen. Ted Budd.
Donated photo
Four Western North Carolina sheriffs were honored with a congressional recognition from Sen. Ted Budd.
Transylvania County Sheriff Chuck Owenby, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke, Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin and Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller received the honor — which was read aloud on the Senate floor — for their participation in Operation Uptown Funk earlier this year, which led to the seizure over 30 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, as well as 30 arrests related to drug trafficking.
“Over the course of the investigation, detectives conducted extensive surveillance, investigated numerous overdoses, and dedicated countless hours to building a comprehensive case against this violent and far-reaching drug network. Their work resulted in the seizure of trafficking-level quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, along with more than 20 firearms, many of which were illegally possessed,” Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post at the time.
“This is nothing short of a strong testament to the commitment of our law enforcement officers to put the welfare of our communities first,” Budd said in the citation.
The Senator noted that over the course of the investigation, authorities confiscated more than $175,000 in illicit funds,
“These results are not just statistics,” Budd said. “They represent lives saved, overdoses prevented, and neighborhoods that can breathe easier knowing that they are a lot safer.”
Related Items
Tips sought to identify Smokies assault suspect
Balsam Mountain Preserve receives golf award
2025 A Look Back: God’s strongest soldiers award
2025 A Look Back: Third Time’s a charm award: Macon County
“It is my honor to represent a State whose law enforcement professionals lead with tremendous integrity and commitment to our citizens,” he added.
After receiving the citation, Wilke echoed Budd’s sentiment, noting that through the strong partnerships between the counties, the drug interdiction efforts have enhanced safety and quality of life across the region.
“We were truly honored to have our work recognized on the United States Senate floor by Senator Ted Budd,” he said. “Our commitment remains unwavering; we will use every resource and every partnership available to stop the flow of deadly drugs into and through Western North Carolina, protecting the people of Haywood County.”
