One of the largest meth seizures in U.S. history happened just outside Charlotte after Cleveland County deputies intercepted an estimated $3 million worth of narcotics during a Kings Mountain traffic stop.
According to an official press release, officers pulled over a 2024 Omada sedan on U.S. Highway 74 near the new Kings Mountain Casino on December 16 after noticing a partially concealed Sinaloa, Mexico, license plate. The driver, Felix Tirado-Ramirez, a Mexican national whose immigration status is still unknown, was the only occupant.
A K-9 unit conducted a free-air sniff and alerted to the vehicle. Deputies then searched the car and uncovered about 138 pounds of pure crystal meth concealed inside.
Tirado-Ramirez was charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine and is being held without bond at the Cleveland County Detention Center.
Sheriff Alan Norman said the bust underscores the importance of proactive interdiction and noted the seizure likely disrupted a major drug-distribution pipeline aimed at the Charlotte area.
