Cleveland County and Rutherford County Team Up for Major Fentanyl Bust

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a joint criminal interdiction operation conducted by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office C.I.T. Team and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office A.C.E. Team resulted in the seizure of more than two kilograms of fentanyl and the arrest of a Charlotte man.

During the operation, deputies initiated a traffic stop on Highway 74. After initial contact with law enforcement, the suspect, identified as Brandon Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina, fled the scene in his vehicle, leading deputies on a pursuit.

A short time later, Thompson attempted to exit onto Old Caroleen Road, where he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. He immediately exited the vehicle and fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by deputies.

Following Thompson’s arrest, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered more than two kilograms of fentanyl concealed in the trunk.

Thompson was taken into custody and remains at the Rutherford County Detention Center pending further judicial proceedings.

This significant seizure is the direct result of the outstanding teamwork, coordination, and dedication demonstrated by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office C.I.T. Team and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office A.C.E. Team. Their continued efforts help protect the citizens of both counties by preventing dangerous narcotics from reaching local communities.

Sheriff Norman stated, “This seizure highlights the effectiveness of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the dedication of our deputies who work tirelessly to keep dangerous drugs out of our communities. More than two kilograms of fentanyl represents thousands of potentially deadly doses that will never reach the citizens of Cleveland and Rutherford Counties. I am extremely proud of the professionalism and teamwork displayed by the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office C.I.T. Team and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office A.C.E. Team. Together, we remain committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and protecting the citizens we serve.” ...

We issued our initial post after receiving multiple calls from the community regarding the video circulating on social media, and we wanted to be clear that the officers shown in that video are not Deputies of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

The conduct depicted is deeply concerning and does not reflect the standards expected of any law enforcement professional. Our comments are directed toward the behavior seen in the video alone, not toward the Shelby Police Department as a whole.

We remain committed to accountability, professionalism, and the respectful treatment of every member of our community. We also value our strong working relationship with the Shelby Police Department and recognize the many officers who serve with integrity, courage, and a daily commitment to doing what is right.

Those officers deserve our continued support and appreciation.
We trust that the appropriate authorities will thoroughly review this incident to ensure transparency and accountability moving forward. ...

A video is currently circulating on Facebook depicting officers. The agency shown in the video is aware of the situation; however, the individuals in the video are not Deputies of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. ...

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

Sheriff Alan Norman and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognize this year’s graduates from Cleveland Early College High School, Burns High School, Crest High School, Shelby High School, and Kings Mountain High School. As our community celebrates the accomplishments of these remarkable students, we honor the dedication and resilience that brought each of you to this milestone.

As you enjoy the celebrations ahead, we encourage you to celebrate safely, make responsible choices, and look out for one another. Your future is bright, and we are cheering you on as you take your next steps, whether you are Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed.

Congratulations, graduates. We are proud of you! 🎉

#ClassOf2026 #ClevelandCountyNC #CCSO #ClevelandCountySheriffsOffice #GraduateSafely #EnrolledEnlistedEmployed #ProudOfOurStudents ...

🚨 SCAM ALERT. PLEASE SHARE 🚨

We are seeing an increase in active scams in Cleveland County. Be aware and protect yourself.

• Jury Duty Scams:
Scammers claim you missed jury duty and must pay immediately. We will never call asking for payment or gift cards, CashApp, or Bitcoin.

• Bond Money Scams:
Scammers pretend a loved one is in jail and needs urgent bond money. Always verify by calling us directly.

• Virtual Kidnapping Scams:
Criminals send fake images or audio claiming a loved one has been kidnapped. Do not send money. Always verify.

• Bitcoin and Urgent Payment Scams:
Scammers impersonate officers or businesses and demand cryptocurrency or instant transfers. Only scammers ask for Bitcoin.

✔️ Remember:
If anyone pressures you to pay immediately, it is a scam. Hang up and call the Sheriff’s Office.

Help protect our community. Please share this post.

#ScamAlert #ClevelandCountyNC #JuryDutyScam #BondScam #VirtualKidnapping #BitcoinScam #StaySafe #FraudPrevention #ShareToProtect ...

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice allows us the freedoms we enjoy every day. 🕊️

On behalf of Sheriff Alan Norman and the Cleveland County Sheriff`s Office, we remember and honor these heroes with gratitude and respect. 🌟

We will never forget their service, their courage, or the families who carry their legacy. 🤍

We remember. We honor.

#MemorialDay #NeverForget #HonorAndRemember #ClevelandCountyNC #ClevelandCountySheriffsOffice #ServiceAndSacrifice ...