IFN Staff

Two suspects face felony drug charges after an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office investigation that led to the seizure of about three pounds of crystal methamphetamine from a residence in Harmony.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Lander Herbert Bustle III, 48, of Ivydale Road, Harmony, and Darran Deshawn Lyons, 39, of West Side Drive, Mocksville, in a news release Monday afternoon.

The Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation on Monday, April 14, after ICSO Narcotics Unit investigators received information about a suspicious package being shipped from California to a residence off Ivydale Road in Harmony, Campbell said.

The package was believed to contain a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine, according to the news release. After investigators confirmed the contents of the package, they began conducting surveillance on the property, the sheriff said.

On Wednesday, April 16, investigators observed the package being delivered to the residence on Ivydale Road and witnessed Bustle retrieve it, open it, and examine its contents, according to the news release.

Following this observation, ICSO personnel executed the search warrant. Upon entering the residence, they located Bustle, Lyons, and a female.

During the search, Lyons was found to be in possession of approximately 24 grams of crystal methamphetamine, according to the news release.

The package contained approximately 1,349 grams of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $137,300, Campbell said.

Investigators also found a small amount of marijuana and a handgun at the scene, he added.

Bustle was charged with Felony Level III Trafficking by Possession and Felony Conspiracy. Lyons was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine.

Bustle and Lyons were transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and brought before Magistrate Thompson. Bustle received a $1 million secured bond and Lyons received a $100,000 secured bond.

The sheriff praised the efforts of ICSO personnel involved in the investigation.

 “This case is a direct result of the dedication and relentless efforts of our narcotics and criminal investigations teams. Their hard work, attention to detail, and commitment to protecting our community played a critical role in removing these dangerous drugs from our streets,” Campbell said. “If you are a repeat offender or a criminal trying to sell narcotics in Iredell, let this serve as an example. You will be held accountable, and we will use all resources to protect our citizens.”

Lyons is currently on federal probation from a previous conviction related to a previous ICSO investigation.