A major fentanyl production operation in Stanley has been shut down following a six-month undercover investigation dubbed “Blue Hammer.” The joint effort, led by Gastonia Police Vice Detectives and federal agents, uncovered an active lab manufacturing counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills inside a local residence.
Investigators described the scene as highly contaminated, requiring North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) agents to wear full hazmat suits to collect evidence safely. Inside, authorities found over 10,000 fentanyl pills and two portable pill press machines used to produce counterfeit narcotics. Police said seizing a fully functioning fentanyl lab with equipment still on-site is rare, as such operations often move frequently to avoid detection.
The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value between $300,000 and $400,000. Two Gastonia men — 29-year-old Phillip McGill Jr. and 27-year-old Tryiq Curry — were arrested and are each being held on $1 million bond.
Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
