Trafficking Charges Filed in Ongoing 448 Case

In December 2024, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Forest City Police Department, announced multiple arrests connected to an investigation into a group known as “448 Whole Lotta Weight.”

The organization is suspected of involvement in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and other opioids. Previous arrests in the case included Rahkim Franklin, Ezekial Suber, Keanthony Lowrance, Kharief Franklin, Ricketta Twitty, Jacelyn Hamilton, Darien Brown, Ty’J Cooks, and Elijah McDowell.

On September 9, 2025, another arrest was made in the investigation. Daveion Markez Flack was taken into custody on indictments for two counts of trafficking opium or heroin. Authorities reported that Flack was in possession of approximately 410 grams of pressed T/189 pills, which are commonly linked to fentanyl distribution.

Flack received a $400,000 secured bond.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests and charges are possible.