Heroin and Meth seized from traffic stop

The following press release has been issued by Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 
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Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 25th, 2019 arrest of 35-year-old Nestor Alberto Bardales, and 39-year-old Hispanic male from who reported a Tucker, Georgia address and Miranda Mae Whidden, a 35-year-old white female who reported a Hiwassee, Georgia address for violations of the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act.

On June 25th, 2019, investigators of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted a vehicle stop of a white jeep on Hiwassee Street, in Murphy, North Carolina for a traffic violation. During the stop, Bardales was the operator of the vehicle while Whidden was the passenger. While conducting the stop, the Sheriff’s Office canine Ajax provided indication to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.

In a search of the vehicle approximately 17 grams of suspected heroin and approximately 6 grams of suspected methamphetamine were located and seized. Additional information was made known that the couple had stayed at a local motel and a search warrant of the room was conducted but no additional illegal substances were located or seized.

While conducting the investigation, Bardales became lethargic and because of concern for his safety he was transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center by Cherokee County Emergency Services personnel where he was seen and later released.

Miranda Mae Whidden was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $1000.00 unsecure bond and Whidden was booked and released pending a July 18th, 2019 district court date.

Upon his release from Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center Bardales was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center and charged with: Trafficking in Opium or Heroin, Possession With the Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Heroin, Possession With Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Place for Controlled Substance. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $100,000.00 secure bond. Bardales is currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Detention Center and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on July 18th, 2019.

Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “Everyone knows the destructive nature of illegal controlled substances, however Heroin is extremely dangerous and we are glad to get it off the streets. Good job to the investigators and deputies on this investigation.”

To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law, please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.