ALE agents seize $86K, guns and marijuana in connection to convenience store inspection

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Agents with Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Asheville District office arrested an Asheville man for drug trafficking on Wednesday.

The inspection of the Mini Mart at 7 Rumbough Place initially led to the discovery of a loaded tactical shotgun. When agents spoke to the on-duty employee about the shotgun, they smelled marijuana.

Cameron Jervase Bowers, 26, of Asheville was charged with two counts of possession with intent to sell and distribute marijuana, one count of maintaining a dwelling, two counts of drug paraphernalia and one count of allowing controlled substance violation on an ABC licensed premises.

The arrest occurred shortly after agents conducted an ABC inspection at an Asheville convenience store.

In a bag claimed by Cameron Bowers, the employee, agents located a half pound of marijuana and $67,000 in cash. The bag also contained detailed records describing extensive marijuana trafficking activities.

An additional $925 in cash was taken from Bowers’ pockets as he was taken into custody.

It was later determined that Bowers was a part owner of the business, but he was not listed on the permits.

As the investigation progressed, agents obtained additional information which allowed them to obtain a search warrant for Bowers’ residence.

That search led to the seizure of an additional 1.6 pounds of marijuana, over $18,000 in cash, a loaded SKS assault rifle, a loaded Highpoint .45 caliber handgun, money counters, scales and various items commonly used to package marijuana.

In total, more than $86,000 in cash, 2.1 pounds of marijuana and three firearms were was seized by ALE agents.

Bowers was transported to the Buncombe County jail and is scheduled to appear in court for these charges on Thursday, September 1, 2016.