Law enforcement in Gastonia, NC, say they dismantled a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation after executing a search warrant on Sept. 29. Officers seized approximately six kilograms (about 13.2 pounds) of fentanyl—valued by authorities at roughly $750,000—and more than $100,000 in suspected cartel proceeds. Two people, 50-year-old Sergio Martinez-Avalos and 38-year-old Karina Mondragon-Gamino, were arrested and face multiple charges including level three trafficking, money laundering, and maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance; both were placed on immigration holds.
Police Bust Major Fentanyl Operation in Gastonia — 6 kg Seized, $100K “Cartel” Cash Recovered, 2 Arrested
Gastonia Police Department
Authorities in Gastonia, North Carolina, say they disrupted a large-scale drug trafficking operation after executing a search warrant at a residence on Sept. 29, seizing six kilograms (about 13.2 pounds) of fentanyl and more than $100,000 in suspected cartel proceeds.
Gastonia Police Department
Details of the Raid
The Gastonia Police Department reported that detectives acted on intelligence from Louisiana law enforcement identifying 50-year-old Sergio Martinez-Avalos as a large-scale trafficker. During the search, officers recovered roughly six kilograms of fentanyl in brick form, which authorities estimate could have a street value of about $750,000. More than $100,000 in alleged drug proceeds were also seized.
Gastonia Police Department
Arrests and Charges
Martinez-Avalos, 50, was arrested and booked on two counts of level three trafficking, money laundering, and maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance. He was placed on an immigration hold and, according to police, has an outstanding arrest warrant in Louisiana.
A second suspect, 38-year-old Karina Mondragon-Gamino, was also arrested and charged with the same offenses: two counts of level three trafficking, money laundering, and maintaining a dwelling or vehicle for a controlled substance. She was likewise placed on an immigration hold.
Public Safety and Next Steps
Investigators say the operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle large trafficking networks that supply fentanyl to local communities. The Gastonia Police Department continues to coordinate with law enforcement partners in Louisiana as the case proceeds. No further details about court dates or additional suspects were released at the time of the report.
Source: Gastonia Police Department; information shared with Louisiana law enforcement.
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