Alexander County duo accused of drug trafficking in multi-agency operation

LENOIR, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Two Alexander County residents were arrested in a multi-agency operation after being suspected of carrying felony amounts of three kinds of narcotics. 

According to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, narcotic agents with the department’s I.C.E. Unit were joined by several other agencies in the arrest on Monday. The vehicle the suspects were operating was allegedly found to contain fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Christopher E. McCrary, 45, and Chanda R. Wortman, 37, both of Taylorsville, were arrested on numerous drug-related charges. The narcotics reportedly seized include: 

• 24.6 grams of fentanyl,
• 15.7 grams of cocaine and
• 1.5 grams of methamphetamine

Those amounts have a total street value of more than $6,000 according to state drug guidelines. 

McCrary and Wortman were each charged with five felony offenses and placed in the Alexander County Detention Center under a $200,000 secured bond. 

“When this many agencies work together, anything is possible. Another solid effort with an outstanding result,” said Sheriff Kevin H. Bean. 

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, NC State Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigation and the Lenoir Police Department.