FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Utah man faces drug trafficking charges in Iredell County after law enforcement officers seized 17 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the massive drug seizure, which was the product of an ongoing joint investigation into a Mexican-based Drug Trafficking Organization by the ICSO and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations in Charlotte.  

The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Daniel Gallardo, was charged with felony trafficking methamphetamine by possession and felony trafficking methamphetamine by transportation. He was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $750,000.

“Our relationship with Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Office has been an ongoing and very beneficial partnership for more than 20 years,” Campbell said in a news release. “This relationship has had a direct and positive impact in combating the narcotics trade within Iredell County and the Western District of North Carolina.

“By stopping these drugs from getting into our communities, we have undoubtedly saved lives from potential overdoses, saved families who are not having to deal with domestic violence, and saved our community members from becoming victims of larcenies, breaking and entering and robberies which are committed by those who needed money to buy these drugs to support their habit,” he added.

The value of the seized methamphetamine is $794,899, Campbell said.