7 arrested in Asheville as part of Buncombe County sheriff's drug operation

ASHEVILLE — Two alleged heroin and methamphetamine traffickers and five others were arrested in Asheville as part of a law enforcement drug operation.

James Mark Russell, 57, and Augustine Manuel Vega, 34, were arrested Friday on multiple charges, including two counts of trafficking in heroin, two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and one count of possession of marijuana with the intent to sell.

Russell was placed under an $825,000 secured bond and Vega was placed on an $800,000 bond. Both are in custody at the Buncombe County Detention Center.

Arrest warrants said Russell and Vega had more than 400 grams of meth, more than 28 grams of heroin, about 5 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms and nearly 34 grams of marijuana. Police said the two had been keeping a room at an Asheville hotel for storing and selling the drugs.

The operation was conducted by the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Homeland Security, according to a news release. The Avery County Sheriff's Office also provided assistance.

Also arrested Friday were:

Robert Preston Clark, 33, on one count of possession with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; one count each of heroin and marijuana possession; one count of drug paraphernalia possession; and one count of maintaining a dwelling for use, storage, or sale of controlled substances

James Edward Norton, 25, on one count of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of a misdemeanor probation violation

Thea Renee Crisp, 25, on outstanding warrants for drug paraphernalia possession and non-payment of child support

Justin Allen Owenby, 19, on outstanding warrants for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia

Courtney Nicole Flynn, 21, on outstanding warrants for heroin and marijuana possession charges

Anyone with information about individuals selling illegal drugs is asked to contact the Buncombe County Anti-Crime Task Force at 828-232-1580 or CrimeStoppers at 828-250-5050.