Haywood County, N.C. – Haywood County deputies have arrested a Clyde resident after uncovering what investigators describe as a significant drug trafficking operation. The suspect, 26-year-old Dominic Mateo Silva-Chessell, is now facing multiple felony charges following a countywide investigation that led to his arrest on Nov. 19. Officials say the case highlights growing concerns about drug activity in rural North Carolina communities.
Incident Overview
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office released details about the arrest in a recent update shared on its official Facebook page. Deputies confirmed that Silva-Chessell was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Haywood County Detention Center, where he remains held on a $750,000 bond.
Investigators allege that Silva-Chessell was involved in the trafficking and distribution of multiple controlled substances. The charges indicate both possession and intent to distribute, suggesting that the case may involve more than just personal drug use.
Timeline of Events
According to the sheriff’s office, the arrest occurred during an ongoing operation targeting drug activity within the county. Deputies executed warrants and conducted searches tied to the investigation, which ultimately resulted in Silva-Chessell’s arrest on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the length of the investigation or the locations where evidence was collected, but they noted that the arrest stems from coordinated efforts between narcotics officers and patrol deputies.
Charges Detailed by Investigators
Officials released a full list of the felony charges filed against Dominic Mateo Silva-Chessell, indicating a wide range of offenses:
- Felony trafficking in cocaine
- Two counts of felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute (PWIMSD) marijuana
- Felony maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances
- Felony PWIMSD Schedule IV controlled substance
- Felony money laundering
In their public post, deputies emphasized that the trafficking charge alone involves serious penalties under North Carolina law.
“These charges reflect the seriousness of the substances involved and the intent to distribute within the community,”
the sheriff’s office stated in its update.
Evidence and Law Enforcement Response
While officials have not yet released the full quantity of drugs seized, the range of charges suggests that investigators recovered multiple substances and items connected to distribution activity. That may include packaging materials, cash, scales, ledgers, or other items used in trafficking operations.
Local authorities say combating drug distribution remains a priority in Haywood County due to growing concerns about substance abuse, overdoses, and cross-county trafficking activity.
“Our team continues to focus on identifying individuals distributing dangerous drugs in our county,”
the sheriff’s office added.
Community Impact and Broader Concerns
Haywood County, like many rural parts of North Carolina, has experienced a rise in drug-related incidents over the last several years. Law enforcement agencies across the region have reported increased trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and other substances, often tied to larger networks operating across county lines.
Community members have expressed concerns about the impact of drug activity on public safety, local families, and young people. Arrests such as this one are viewed as significant steps in reducing the flow of illegal substances into smaller communities.
Public Safety and Awareness
Officials continue to encourage residents to report suspicious activity, noting that many major drug busts begin with community tips. Law enforcement also stresses the importance of public awareness regarding drug dangers, especially concerning highly addictive and dangerous substances like cocaine.
Parents are urged to stay informed about trends in drug use, while residents are reminded to contact local authorities if they see signs of drug trafficking—such as unusual vehicle traffic, short-term visitors, or chemical odors around a home or vehicle.
Conclusion
The arrest of Dominic Mateo Silva-Chessell marks another significant step by Haywood County authorities in their ongoing effort to curb drug trafficking in the region. As the case moves forward, investigators are expected to release additional details about the operation and any related suspects.
If you live in the region and have noticed similar activity in your neighborhood, share your experiences in the comments below.
