PRESS RELEASE – On March 3,2026 at around 01:00 am Deputies were conducting road patrols on US 74. Deputies stopped a car for a traffic violation. Due to some odd behaviors deputies called Sylva Police Department to assist with a Canine. The Canine alerted to the presence of Narcotics.

After completing a thorough investigation deputies located approximately 28 grams of suspected fentanyl and 1 gram of suspected crack cocaine. The following were charged:

Amando Thomas Virata:

Trafficking Fentanyl by Possession
Trafficking Fentanyl by Transportation
PWIMSD Fentanyl
Conspire Traffic Opium/ Heroin
Felony Possession of Cocaine
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

James Randall Martin
Conspiracy to Traffic Opium/ Heroin

Sheriff Farmer would like to thank the deputies for their hard work and proactive approach to protecting the citizens of Jackson County. This kind of proactivity no doubt saved lives. Thank you to Sylva Police Department for the assistance and continued partnership in this endeavor to eradicate this poison from our County.