On the evening of Wednesday, March 5, 2025, narcotics investigators with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Gaston County Police Department, arrested 44-year-old Marciano Pina Ulloa of Statesville.
During the arrest, investigators discovered Ulloa was in possession of approximately 4 ounces (113 grams) of fentanyl. Further investigation suggested that a larger quantity of fentanyl was being stored at a residence in Iredell County. Acting on this information, investigators from both agencies conducted a search at 105 Chapman Place Lane, where they located an additional 4.8 pounds (2,177 grams) of suspected fentanyl. Authorities also seized over $1,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
The estimated street value of the fentanyl seized is approximately $254,000. Law enforcement officials emphasize the potential danger of this amount of fentanyl, as even a small dose can be lethal.
Additionally, authorities have confirmed that Ulloa is in the United States illegally, and federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have been contacted to assist with the case.
As a result of the investigation, Ulloa has been charged in Gaston County with three counts of trafficking in controlled substances and one count of felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances. In Iredell County, he faces additional charges, including one count of felony trafficking by possession and one count of felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances.
Sheriff Darren Campbell highlighted the seriousness of the case, stressing the impact of fentanyl in communities and the need for continued efforts to target drug trafficking operations. The investigation remains ongoing.