NORTH CAROLINA — Two Glenville residents were arrested after a traffic stop on Aug. 18 led to a major drug bust, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Marlene Cecile Osorio, 36, faces multiple felony charges, including:
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Two counts of trafficking opium or heroin
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Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance
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Possession with intent to sell methamphetamine
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Maintaining a dwelling for drug distribution
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Possession of cocaine
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Multiple conspiracy charges
She also faces a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Luis Fernando Andres Sertorio, 29, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic opium or heroin and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine.
Deputies said they spotted the pair leaving a known drug area on Skyland Drive around 7 p.m. and stopped their vehicle for an undisclosed traffic violation. A Sylva Police K9 unit was called after officers noticed suspicious behavior from a passenger.
The K9 alerted deputies to the presence of drugs, leading to a search of the vehicle. Authorities discovered nearly 10 grams of suspected fentanyl, 15 grams of methamphetamine, and half a gram of suspected crack cocaine. Investigators believe Osorio used a Nissan Altima to store and distribute the substances.
Deputies also recovered drug paraphernalia, including a glass smoking pipe, digital scale, and packaging materials.
If convicted, Osorio faces decades in prison. Trafficking between 14 and 28 grams of opium or heroin carries a 90- to 117-month sentence and a $100,000 fine. Sertorio could face similar penalties for conspiracy charges.
Osorio is being held at the Jackson County Detention Center on a $150,000 secured bond, while Sertorio remains in custody under a $75,000 bond.
