Granite Falls, NC – A federal investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and local authorities in North Carolina has resulted in the seizure of 75 kilograms of narcotics and more than $375,000 in cash, officials announced. The large-scale drug operation dismantled a trafficking network that had been active across Catawba Valley and surrounding counties.
The Incident: Major Federal Raid in Granite Falls
According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began in February 2025, when investigators started monitoring suspected drug traffickers operating in the Catawba Valley region. As the probe advanced, an undercover investigator—also serving as an ATF task force officer—conducted multiple controlled purchases of illegal drugs, prompting federal authorities to take over the case.
On October 23, ATF agents and task force officers executed a federal search warrant at a residence on Rocky Mount Road in Granite Falls. The operation, supported by local sheriff’s deputies, resulted in the arrest of 40-year-old Kenneth Travis and the discovery of an extensive cache of narcotics and cash.
Investigation and Seized Evidence
Authorities said the federal raid led to one of the region’s largest drug seizures to date. In total, investigators recovered:
- 60.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at $454,500
- 12.7 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $429,100
- 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl, valued at $39,000
- $377,981 in U.S. currency
Officials described the seized drugs as having a street value exceeding $922,000, underscoring the scope of the trafficking operation.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of federal and local law enforcement partnerships in tackling large-scale narcotics operations,” an ATF spokesperson said following the raid.
Charges and Arrests
Kenneth Travis (Age 40) – Granite Falls, NC
Travis faces multiple state and federal drug trafficking charges, including:
- Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
- Seven counts of trafficking methamphetamine
- Two counts of maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for the purpose of manufacturing, selling, or delivering controlled substances
He was booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $1.2 million bond.
Oderia Dante Glaspy (Age 48) – Hickory, NC
Authorities also arrested Oderia Dante Glaspy in connection with the same operation. Glaspy faces:
- Conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine
- Two counts of trafficking methamphetamine
- Maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for the purpose of drug distribution
Glaspy is being held at the Catawba County Detention Facility on a $450,000 bond.
Deputies noted that additional state charges and federal indictments are pending, as prosecutors continue to review evidence and financial records tied to the operation.
Statements and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Officials credited a multi-agency task force for the successful outcome of the operation. The following agencies participated:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI)
- Burke County Sheriff’s Office
- Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
- Hickory Police Department
- Maiden Police Department
- Newton Police Department
“This case is a strong reminder that methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to devastate our communities,” said a spokesperson for the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. “Working together at the local and federal levels, we will continue to target those who profit from addiction and violence.”
Authorities emphasized that the seized fentanyl alone could have caused thousands of potential overdoses, highlighting the ongoing fight against synthetic opioids in North Carolina.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The Catawba Valley region has seen a rise in multi-state drug distribution networks in recent years, with traffickers using rural routes to avoid detection. The ATF and NCSBI have focused recent efforts on dismantling such organizations that traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl across Western North Carolina.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is expected to file federal indictments in the coming weeks, which could result in decades-long prison sentences for those convicted.
Conclusion
The Granite Falls drug bust marks one of the most significant narcotics seizures in Catawba County’s history, eliminating a major pipeline for methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution in the region. As the federal investigation continues, officials vow to pursue all responsible parties and strengthen cooperative enforcement efforts.
What are your thoughts on this major drug bust? Share your opinions in the comments below.
