ACSO seizes over $1 million in narcotics during Operation Crystal Ball

ACSO seizes over $1 million in narcotics during Operation Crystal Ball

JEFFERSON — Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced on Wednesday that the total amount of seized narcotics has been reported from Operation Crystal Ball, the most significant drug trafficking investigation in Ashe County's history.

Operation Crystal Ball – Total Seizures from the Largest Case in Ashe County History

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 3:27 pm Ashe County, NC – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announced today that the total amount of seized narcotics has been reported from Operation Crystal Ball, the most significant drug trafficking investigation in Ashe County’s history. This active, joint investigation between the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation began in January 2025. To date, over 80 individuals have…