Authorities seize 40 pounds of marijuana

A 23-year-old Sparta man was charged with felonious trafficking in marijuana after about 40 pounds was found in his home on Dec. 20, said Alleghany County Sheriff Mike Caudill.

A search warrant was executed at 5:20 p.m. at the residence of Sergio Abel Hernandez Terrazas at 2639 Highway 18 North in Sparta, said Caudill. Inside the home, seven shrink-wrapped bricks of marijuana were found and confiscated.

All of the bricks were still intact when they were recovered, said Capt. Carlton Edwards. Edwards said the bricks of marijuana were in a box in the living room of the home. No other drugs, paraphernalia or other contraband were found at the residence.

Any individual who is found to be in possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana is charged with trafficking.

Participating in the search and seizure were Alleghany Sheriff’s deputies, officers from the State Bureau of Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Ashe County Sheriff’s Department. Alleghany deputies responding included Steve Carrier, Todd Ramage, Brandon Hanson, Craig Hart, Caudill and Edwards.

Caudill said he could not divulge the source of information that lead to the arrest of Hernandez Terrazas, but said other arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

Hernandez Terrazas shares the residence with Mary Church, who was not charged with any crime in the incident.

Hernandez Terrazas was taken into custody and placed in the Alleghany County Detention Center. He was released the following day under a $25,000 bond.

He is slated to appear in Alleghany County District Court on Jan. 10, 2006.

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