PRESS RELEASE – On July 7 th , 2026, The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Criminal Suppression Unit (CSU), along with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) CSU, conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 40 in Haywood County as part of an ongoing narcotics
enforcement operation.

During the course of the traffic stop, K9 Ziva from the JCSO CSU was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics. Deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.

As a result of the search, deputies located and seized approximately 4.9 Ounces (138.6 Grams) of suspected Fentanyl, approximately 1.7 Ounces (50.7 grams) of suspected Crack Cocaine, and $2,785 in cash.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Darrell Lee Driver of Whittier, NC
Trafficking in Fentanyl Possession (Level III)
Trafficking in Fentanyl Transportation (Level III)
Trafficking in Cocaine Possession (Level I)
Trafficking in Cocaine Transportation (Level I)
PWIMSD Sch II Controlled Substance
Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Kihrie William Holmes of Whittier, NC
Trafficking in Fentanyl Possession (Level III)
Trafficking in Fentanyl Transportation (Level III)
Trafficking in Cocaine Possession (Level I)
Trafficking in Cocaine Transportation (Level I)
PWIMSD Sch II Controlled Substance
Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Sheriff Doug Farmer stated, “The success we have had is a direct result of strong partnerships and proactive law enforcement.

The Jackson County and Haywood County Criminal Suppression Units are committed to working together every day to identify,
investigate, and arrest those responsible for distributing deadly drugs throughout our communities.

This seizure represents approximately 69,300 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be a potentially lethal dose, depending on an individuals body
size, tolerance, and prior drug use. We will continue to use every available resource to protect the citizens we serve and make it clear that Western North Carolina is not a safe place for drug traffickers.