Pair charged with trafficking in methamphetamine

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.

Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that March 01st, 2018 arrest of 33 year old Jennifer Renee Ploof, of Rome Georgia and 41 year old Dustin Eugene Mcclure of Marble North Carolina for charges involving the trafficking of methamphetamine.

On March 01st, 2018 a K-9 Deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office while on patrol observed the vehicle Ploof and Mcclure were occupying, speeding and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to immediately stop at which time another deputy arrived to assist with the stop. While deputies were attempting to stop the vehicle the passenger was observed throwing a plastic bag from the window.

Once the vehicle was stopped and upon approaching the vehicle the Deputies observed a crystalline substance on the passenger. The deputies also recovered the plastic bag thrown from the vehicle which contained a quantity of a crystalline substance. Both the substance on the passenger and from the bag recovered were tested and produced a positive result for Methamphetamine. An additional amount of crystalline substance was recovered from the floor and door of the vehicle, along with digital scales. Approximately 34 grams or a little over 1 ounce of methamphetamine was seized during the arrest.

Jennifer Renee Ploof was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. She was released after making a $25,000.00 secure bond. She has a March 06th 2018, District Court date.

Dustin Eugene Mcclure was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and remains under a $25,000.00 secure bond for TRAFFIC IN METHAMPHETAMINE, MAINTAIN PLACE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mcclure has a March 06th, 2018 court date.

​Sheriff Palmer stated “Another battle won in our war on drugs in Cherokee County. What was taken off the street today potentially cost these dealers a little over $3,000.00, but the amount is immeasurable when looking at the potential lives that could be saved.”

​Sheriff Palmer asks if you should have any information concerning this case or any other case to report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law to please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.