𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐳𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

Asheville, NC (April 28, 2026): The Asheville Police Department arrested a drug trafficker and seized approximately 16.865 pounds of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, along with an additional 0.86 pounds of pressed fentanyl.

As part of an ongoing investigation that included information submitted through the Tip411 app, detectives arrested Jesse Milton Ogletree Jr. (08/16/1988) on Gashes Creek Road on April 22. At the time of his arrest, Ogletree was in possession of a trafficking quantity of fentanyl.

A subsequent search warrant resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, 33.249 pounds of narcotics, and $13,582 in cash. Detectives also recovered equipment consistent with large-scale drug distribution.

In total, APD seized a total of ​8.03 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, equivalent to ​more than 4 million potentially lethal doses. Additionally, according to the CDC, synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States.

Seized:

-1 Short Barreled Rifle with Suppressor and Drum Magazine (Weapon of Mass Destruction)

-4 Semi-Automatic Shotguns

-3 Handguns (including a Polymer 80, or a ‘ghost gun’)

-33.249 pounds of weighed narcotics, including the following:

14.695 pounds of powdered substances (Fentanyl and Cocaine)

2.17 pounds of suspected blocked Fentanyl

5.06 pounds of pills + 38 dosage units (suspected pressed Fentanyl)

2.741 pounds of Marijuana

8.27 pounds of Methamphetamine

0.313 pounds of suspected Heroin

-$13,582 in US Currency

Arrested:

Jesse Milton Ogletree Jr. (08/16/1988)

-Felony Trafficking in Fentanyl x2

-Felony Trafficking in Methamphetamine x2

-Felony Trafficking in Cocaine x2

-Felony Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance

-Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Fentanyl

-Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Cocaine

-Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine

-Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana

-Felony Possess Weapon of Mass Destruction

-Felony Possession of Firearm by Felon

-Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Ogletree was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $60,000 secured bond issued by a magistrate.

Thank you to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for your partnership and collaboration in addressing crime in our community. We also want to thank the community members who provided anonymous tips and information through TIP411, which were instrumental in making this arrest.

If you have any information about this incident or any illegal drug activity, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.